BLOOMWATCH
CROWDSOURCING TO FIND AND REPORT
POTENTIAL CYANOBACTERIA BLOOMS
- Do you see a bloom?
- Why are blooms a problem?
- What can you do to help?
- How do I get the bloomWatch app?
Do you notice that a lake suddenly turned the color of pea soup or a blue-green paint spill? Or do you see green clumps, flakes or filaments floating in a lake?
Blooms in fresh waterbodies are commonly due to cyanobacteria, which have the potential to produce toxins that affect humans, pets, and our ecosystems.
State and local officials can’t be watching every lake at all times! By using the bloomWatch app on your smartphone, you will help us understand where and when these organisms may be causing issues.
1. Download the app
Install bloomWatch app on your smartphone or tablet
2. Learn what to look for
Get familiar with the appearance of cyanobacteria blooms
3. Report what you found
Document blooms with the app
1) use bloomWatch app to take good photos of potential blooms, 2) submit your photos to the project, 3) send info to the relevant state agency
NOTE: Avoid bloom and don’t touch the water
NOTE: Submissions through bloomWatch do not constitute a formal report to authorities
NOTE: Images submitted via bloomWatch will be used only for citizen science purposes and will not be sold or distributed to advertisers or other entities
