H20 Chelsea Water Research Program - Our Goal: "To develop a better understanding of ground and surface water resources in Chelsea that will inform municipal planning and management descisions."

Eutrophication and Blue-Green Algae

Eutrophication is the natural aging process of lakes as they become better nourished, either naturally or artificially. Eutrophication occurs naturally with the gradual input of nutrients and sediment through erosion and precipitation, resulting in a gradual aging of the lake. Humans speed up this natural process by releasing nutrients, particularly phosphorus, into rivers and lakes through municipal and industrial effluent and through increased soil erosion resulting from poor land use practices. Eventually, a lake will develop high nutrient concentrations and dense growths of aquatic weeds and algae. These plants die and decompose, causing depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water. This process often results in fish kills and changes in a lake's fish species. Ultimately, eutrophication will fill the lake with sediment and plant material.         Environment Canada Freshwater Website

Blue-green Algae

Health Canada's information on blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)

Le Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie et en environnement aquatique's information on blue-green algae (French language version only)

Identifying a blue-green algae bloom: Vermont Department of Health

Reporting a blue-green algae bloom: Québec MDDEP