Arizona Harmful Algal Blooms

Algal blooms can contain toxins that are harmful to people and animals. ADEQ monitors Arizona’s recreational lakes for algal toxins and when algal blooms are reported.

What Does Harmful Algae Look Like?

Be on alert: harmful algae can be blue-green, bright green, brown, red, or look like grass-clippings or spilled paint | See examples >

Practice Healthy Recreational Water Habits

Enjoying the outdoors is an important part of an active, healthy lifestyle. ADEQ recommends following these simple, healthy habits in waters with visible algae:

• STAY AWAY from algae and scum in the water – AND – keep children and pets away from algae in the water or on the shore
• DO NOT DRINK or use this water for cooking
• WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT

Report Algal Blooms via Mobile App

You can help protect public health by reporting possible harmful algal blooms. The Arizona Water Watch mobile app provides an easy way to report signs of algal bloom or other water quality issues from any waterbody in the state, allowing ADEQ scientists to more quickly address them | Learn More >