ALGAE IN DRINKING WATER KRISTIN HALL Mini Project 2

Algae in
Drinking
Water
Kristin Hall

Kri

Project 2
What is Algae?
Algae is commonly known as a type of aqueous plant that has a wide variety of species, ranging from
microscopic in size to large kelp. When it comes to algae and drinking water however, blue-green algae, also
known as cyanobacteria, is of most concern since it can negatively impact human and animal health.
Is it harmful to me or my family?
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is considered toxic to humans especially to children and pets.
Depending on the type and level of exposure, there are a wide variety of symptoms when youve been exposed.
According to the EPA, symptoms start to get more intense or may begin to appear after having been exposed
for 10 days.
Symptoms include:

Skin irritation Blisters of the mouth

Stomach cramps
Possible Symptoms through skin contact (swimming
Vomiting
ECT) include:
Nausea
Diarrhea (Allergic-like reactions)
Fever
Asthma
Sore throat
Eye irritation
Headache
Rashes
Muscle/joint pain
Blisters around the mouth & nose
ALGAE IN DRINKING WATER KRISTIN HALL | Issue # 2

How does it get into the drinking water?

Blue-green algae likes to grow in warm, nutrient-rich, calm water. Nutrient rich waters means that there
are lots of nitrates and other desirable nutrients that plants need for growth. Bodies of water in agricultural
areas are at high risk since run-off containing fertilizers and animal waste can potentially contaminate it. Bodies
of water that are at greater risk for algae contamination include lakes, ponds and dugouts since theyre non-
moving bodies of water. If your main source of drinking water comes from stagnant surface waters then your
drinking water could be potentially at risk.

How can I test my drinking water for blue-green algae?

There are many tell-tale signs that your water could contain cyanobacteria. The number one way is just
by observing the color of your water. If it has a red, green or brown tint and contains particles or (if youre at a
lake/ocean beach) has thick mat-like accumulations near the shoreline and the surface, then its possible that the
water could be contaminated by blue-green algae. Overall, state environmental agencies and your local utilities
operate monitoring, sampling and testing programs so if you are concerned your water is contaminated then
you should contact your local utilities provider. If you are concerned about a private well or if your water isnt
monitored by the state then you can collect a sample of water to be sent in for laboratory analysis. To collect a
sample of water to be tested, its best to use an amber colored bottle to reduce the amount of sunlight that its
exposed to.
Use this link from the EPA to find out what laboratories near you test for cyanobacteria if you want to have your
water tested:
https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/state-resources
ALGAE IN DRINKING WATER KRISTIN HALL | Issue # 3

How to remove it from your water?

If your drinking water has been contaminated by blue-green algae, the best way to remove it from your
drinking water would be to treat it using chlorine or ozone. Reverse osmosis filters can also be effective but the
effectiveness of removal depends on the membrane pore size and your overall water quality. It has to be small
enough to make sure that the cyanobacteria gets caught behind the filter instead of going into your water.
Additional Information

if you would like additional information concerning blue-green algae then check out some of these useful links:

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/microcystin_sections.pdf

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/cyanobacteria/en/

http://www.epa.gov/water-research/harmful-algal-blooms-drinking-water-treatment

https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/detection#who