As summer warms up, the likelihood of harmful algae blooms increases. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a type of photosynthetic bacteria. Cyanobacteria are naturally found in all lakes, rivers, and ponds, and, like plants and algae, they perform photosynthesis, obtaining their energy from the sun. Unlike true algae, cyanobacteria aren't a key part of the food chain, and most organisms choose not to eat them. Under the right circumstances, cyanobacteria can multiply to form a bloom. A bloom is a sudden increase in cyanobacterial cells in a specific area of water. Some species of cyanobacteria can create toxins that are harmful to human and animal health, known as cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). 

CyanoHABs can make people and animals sick if they breathe in, swallow, or come into contact with water or scum that contains toxins. Sunlight, high temperatures, and abundant nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, can increase the likelihood of a bloom occurring. Warm weather patterns and significant rain events that result in more stormwater runoff entering the water can also jump-start a bloom. Blooms typically occur during the warmer months, between mid-June and mid-September. As Minnesota's climate changes, it's fueling more frequent and intense rain events, floods, and warmer weather, contributing to more harmful algal blooms. For more information, check out the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency webpage or contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

ACD has been out in the field, monitoring the water quality and water quantity of Anoka County's streams and rivers. Stream water quality monitoring is conducted to detect and diagnose water quality problems that impact the ecological integrity of waterways, recreation, and human health. Since many streams systems are connected to lakes, water quality in streams is often studied as part of lake management. Hydrology is the study of water quantity and movement. Knowledge regarding the amount of water flowing in a stream helps engineers and natural resource professionals understand the effects of rain events, land development, and stormwater management. This information is often paired with water quality monitoring and used to calculate pollutant loadings, which are used in computer models and water pollution regulatory determinations.

For more information contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Anoka County residents will benefit from a new $70,000 clean water grant that will provide assistance to seal unused wells to protect groundwater resources from contamination. This grant is an extension of ACD's current well-sealing program which has made great progress over the past four years. The proposed grant will enable ACD to seal up to an additional 30 unused wells, targeting those within DWSMAs and deep wells intersecting multiple aquifers. 

If you have an old well that you no longer use, you may be eligible for cost-share funding to seal it! Unused wells could be direct conduits for pollution to reach our drinking water supply, so it is important to have unused wells sealed by a professional. Learn more about the program and see if you qualify here: www.anokaswcd.org/well-sealing.html. For more information contact Kris Larson, Water Resource Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..