OUR GEM: What you need to know about harmful algal blooms
This 2025 photo shows a harmful algal bloom. Photo via Our Gem.
Freshwater algae are a natural part of lakes, rivers, and streams. They produce oxygen, absorb nutrients, and support the entire aquatic food web. But when algae grow out of control, they can turn our favorite recreation spots into smelly, discolored, or even hazardous places. Some of these blooms (not all of them) are caused by cyanobacteria often called blue‑green algae which can sometimes produce toxins harmful to people, pets, and wildlife.
These events are known as harmful algal blooms (HABs). In North Idaho we tend to see several HABs each summer and understanding what they look like and how to stay safe is key to enjoying the season.
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