US EditionHarmful Algal Bloom Predicted for Lake Erie
- NOAA and its collaborators predict that western Lake Erie will experience a low to mid-level harmful algal bloom this summer, with the majority of the bloom remaining confined to the lake’s western basin.
- This prediction follows past events like the 2014 Toledo water crisis caused by toxins from blue-green algae producing microcystins, linked to nutrient runoff from agriculture.
- Since 2020, Lake Erie has experienced a reduction in the intensity of harmful algal blooms due to decreased nutrient runoff and drier spring conditions, although increased rainfall or climate change may contribute to larger and more prolonged bloom events in the future.
- NOAA detected toxins in Lake Erie earlier than usual on April 28, 2025, and rates the expected bloom a 3 on a 2-4 scale, indicating ongoing health and economic concerns.
- Efforts to reduce phosphorus runoff aim to protect Lake Erie, but continued nutrient management and government support remain crucial to sustain progress and protect public health.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Rotarians and others get firsthand look at agricultural research site created to help Lake Erie
DEFIANCE — One day after a federal agency issued its 2025 algal bloom forecast for western Lake Erie, cropland tours were offered at a 50-acre Defiance County research site where a slow-release commercial fertilizer The Andersons has designed to improve yields while reducing algae-forming runoff is being tested.
Seattle Pi
Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer than before in Lake Erie − why ...
The Conversation
Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer in Lake Erie − why that’s a worry for people and pets
A satellite image from Aug. 13, 2024, shows an algal bloom covering approximately 320 square miles (830 square km) of Lake Erie. By Aug. 22, it had nearly doubled in size. NASA Earth ObservatoryFederal scientists released their annual forecast for Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms on June 26, 2025, and they expect a mild to moderate season. However, anyone who comes in contact with the blooms can face health risks, and it’s worth remembering that…
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