A Closer Look: Harmful Algal Blooms

What are algae? They’re not plants. They’re not animals. They’re simple aquatic organisms that are most often found atop ponds, lakes, and still water in Iowa. When conditions are right, algae will “bloom” or rapidly replicate. Not all algae are harmful, but the most common harmful algal blooms in Iowa are comprised of blue-green algae—also known as cyanobacteria.