While commonly associated with the summer, algal blooms can also persist into the fall. As of late October 2024, blooms were still present along the southern shores of Lake Erie.
In the warm weather, people flock to Ontario's small lakes to swim, canoe or simply enjoy the tranquil shores. Every year, lakeside areas become bustling economic hubs, home to cottages, waterfront ice cream shops, cafes and restaurants that benefit from the scenic views they offer. However, these idyllic settings can become spoiled when smelly green algae wash up on the shore. Whether in the summer or fall, algal blooms interfere with our ability to fully enjoy time near or on the water.
Some blooms can even become toxic, which are harmful to people and even pets.
Our new research from the University of Waterloo suggests that a changing climate could be contributing to these declining water quality trends, and things may get worse in the future. This could result in the increased presence of unsightly and potentially harmful algal blooms in lakes across Ontario.
