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Blue -green algae blooms <br />Cyanobacteria, sometimes called blue -green <br />algae, are microscopic organisms found <br />naturally in all types of water. <br />Blue -green algae can grow quickly, or <br />bloom, in freshwater depending on the <br />temperature and the amount of sunlight <br />and nutrients available. <br />Algae blooms are most commonly found <br />in the summer and fall when water is <br />warm and stagnant. However, they can <br />occur anytime during the year. <br />When a bloom occurs, scum might float <br />on the water's surface. Blooms can come <br />in different colors, such as green, bluish <br />green, bright green brown or reddish <br />green. As the bloom dies off, it might <br />smell bad. <br />What is a toxic bloom? <br />Sometimes, blue -green algae produce toxins. <br />The toxins can be present in the algae or in <br />the water. Swallowing water with algae that <br />are producing toxins can cause serious illness. <br />You cannot tell if a bloom is toxic just by <br />looking at it. <br />