Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, are created when high amounts of naturally occurring cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) grow out of control and produce cyanotoxins that can be harmful to animal and human health. Cyanotoxins can cause human and animal illness through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Different species of cyanobacteria produce different toxins that impact the nervous system, liver, skin, or stomach.

Cyanobacteria occur in freshwater and saltwater environments all over the world, but become problematic when they overgrow and produce toxins called “cyanotoxins”. Scientists predict that climate change may cause HABs to occur more frequently over time. Increased rainfall can deliver excess nutrients to waterways, feeding the cyanobacteria and causing blooms. Also, warmer, slower-moving water can promote the growth of cyanobacteria. Most conditions along the Chattahoochee River (cold water, fast current) prevent HABs from becoming a problem locally. However, in stagnant or still water on lakes and reservoirs it is possible for cyanobacteria to bloom to problematic levels.

In 2021, we documented the first suspected animal death due to a HAB on the main stem of the Chattahoochee River in Bull Sluice Lake along the Gold Branch Trail near trail marker GB-7. In addition, we have confirmed reports of HABs on Lake Harding in the Middle Chattahoochee region in July and August 2021.

The cyanobacteria that cause HABs may produce a visible, smelly green scum or may be attached to sediments on the bottom of a river or reservoir. The clumps of cyanobacteria can be very hard to identify as problematic or not. The presence of cyanotoxins can only be confirmed with laboratory tests. We are working in partnership with Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, University of Georgia, and Auburn University to conduct laboratory testing to confirm suspected HABs.

Consuming these toxins can lead to illness. For this reason, we recommend that people and pets should not swim in or drink lake/river water when visiting Gold Branch Trail in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Lake Harding at this time. In general, CRK recommends that pet owners always exercise caution when exploring natural waterways and avoid stagnant or greenish pools of water and be sure to bring drinking water for pets.

Visual signs of a bloom include surface water discoloration (for example, a bright green, blue, brown, or red tint), a pea soup or spilled green/blue paint-like appearance, reduced transparency, thick mat-like accumulation of scum, and/or dead fish. If you see visual signs of a bloom or suspect pollutants or environmental issues in a waterway, please contact CRK via our hotline below or by calling (404) 352-9828. Reports should also be made to the proper state authorities. For Alabama complaints, please report to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. For Georgia complaints, please report to Georgia Environmental Protection Division by emailing [email protected].