Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, is natural in Lake Temescal but usually remains in balance. However, large blooms can be credited to periodic sewer overflow, and, more frequently, stormwater flows into the lake. Stormwater pours in from residential streets geographically above and within the creek’s watershed connected by storm drains. Stormwater brings a variety of chemical pollutants into the shallow lake, building up the nutrient loads. This leads to harmful cyanobacteria blooms, which can make the water dangerous for humans and other creatures to touch or consume.