Harmful algae bloom season is here

BOISE, July 27, 2023 – The Southwest and Central Health Districts want to inform the public of the risk of illness in the region when recreating in bodies of water that have Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) during the summer months.

During the HAB season, naturally occurring cyanobacteria will become more active with warmer temperatures. When there are more nutrients in the water for the bacteria to feed on, the bacteria can create large algae blooms, some of which produce toxic chemical compounds, or cyano-toxins, which can be fatal to animals and humans. Blooms can vary in appearance, and may look like mats, foam, spilled paint, or surface scum, and have a foul odor.

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