What Are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Why Should You Be Concerned?

If your lake or pond turns bright green, develops a strong musty odor, or seems to have a film on the surface, you may be experiencing a harmful algal bloom, commonly referred to as an HAB. These outbreaks are more than just an eyesore. HABs can pose serious risks to aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, pets, and even human health. At Jones Lake Management, we believe that understanding what causes HABs (and how to prevent them) is the first step toward keeping your waterbody clean, clear, and safe.

What Are Harmful Algal Blooms?
Harmful algal blooms occur when certain types of algae, especially cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae), grow out of control. Under the right conditions, they can rapidly multiply, covering the surface of a lake or pond with a thick, greenish scum. Some strains of cyanobacteria produce dangerous toxins, including microcystins and anatoxins, which can be harmful or even fatal to fish, pets, livestock, and humans.

What Causes HABs?
Several environmental factors contribute to the proliferation and severity of HABs:

• Excess Nutrients: High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, usually from fertilizers, pet waste, failing septic systems, and stormwater runoff, feed the algae and accelerate growth.

• Warm Water Temperatures: HABs are more common in late spring through early fall, when water temperatures are warmer.

• Stagnant Water: Lakes and ponds with limited water circulation are more likely to experience algal blooms.

• Sunlight: Algae need sunlight to photosynthesize and grow, so clear, shallow waters are especially susceptible.

These conditions are especially prevalent in manmade or nutrient-rich waterbodies, including those found in residential communities, golf courses, farms, and municipal parks.

Why HABs Are a Serious Problem 
Beyond ruining the appearance of your pond or lake, HABs can lead to:

• Fish kills: As algae die off and decompose, oxygen levels drop, suffocating fish and other aquatic life.

• Health hazards: Algal toxins can cause skin rashes, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal illness in humans. Pets are especially at risk from drinking or swimming in affected water.

• Property value decline: A pond overrun by algae can impact the aesthetic and recreational appeal of a property, leading to lower real estate value and community dissatisfaction.

• Recreational limitations: Swimming, fishing, and boating can be unsafe during a bloom, disrupting both fun and function.  

Prevention and Management: What You Can Do
HABs are difficult to manage once they occur. Preventative measures and watershed management techniques offer help reduce the likelihood of blooms. At Jones Lake Management, we take a proactive, science-based approach to algae control and nutrient management. Here are some of the most effective strategies to prevent harmful algal blooms:

1. Nutrient Reduction
Limiting nutrient input is the cornerstone of HAB prevention. We help landowners manage watershed runoff, install vegetative buffers, and reduce phosphorus loads with binding agents.

2. Aeration
Installing aeration systems keeps water moving and oxygenated, creating an environment less favorable to blue-green algae while supporting fish and beneficial microbes.

3. Beneficial Bacteria
Biological treatments using beneficial bacteria and enzymes help break down organic sludge and outcompete algae for nutrients.

4. Regular Monitoring
Early detection is key. Through ongoing water quality monitoring, we can identify trends and apply treatments before a full bloom occurs.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Once a bloom takes hold, options become limited and more costly. Proactive lake and pond management is the best defense. Whether you're dealing with recurring algae issues or trying to prevent your first bloom, the experts at Jones Lake Management are here to help.

Our team will assess your waterbody, customize a treatment plan, and walk you through every step, from nutrient testing to algae treatment to long-term maintenance. Let us help you protect your investment and keep your lake or pond safe, beautiful, and bloom-free.

Concerned about HABs in your water? Contact us today to learn more. 

About Jones Lake Management
Since 1949, Jones Lake Management has been a trusted leader in lake and pond management, delivering scientifically backed solutions to create and maintain healthy, balanced, and beautiful waterbodies. Our expert team offers a full range of services, including fish stocking, fisheries management, water quality monitoring, algae and aquatic weed control, aeration solutions, erosion control, invasive species management, hydraulic dredging, and more. Whether you manage a private lake, an HOA stormwater pond, a golf course water feature, or a municipal waterway, we provide customized solutions to ensure your waterbody remains healthy, functional, and thriving.