Algal Blooms

Water hosts a variety of life. Algae blooms occur when water temperatures are warm and there are excess nutrients in the water. While most algae are harmless, some are not good for human health or pets, like blue-green algae.

The Tualatin River Watershed is particularly susceptible to algae blooms because we have dry summers which lead to low water levels. This allows our waterways to warm quicker than other watersheds.

You can help reduce the likelihood of algae blooms by picking up after your pet, using slow-release fertilizers or better yet, planting native plants that don’t need fertilizers.