Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally found in fresh water in the U.S., including Lake Champlain and other Vermont waters. Some types of cyanobacteria can release natural toxins or poisons (called cyanotoxins) into the water, especially when they die and break down. Visit the Health Department's cyanobacteria page to learn more about cyanobacteria blooms.
The Vermont Tracking Program brings together environmental and health data to better understand how our environment impacts health.
The Cyanobacteria Tracker Map is a data collaboration project of the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation and the Lake Champlain Committee. The interactive map allows you to:
Not all Vermont bays, lakes, and ponds are monitored. Be aware of changing conditions, and keep out of the water if you think cyanobacteria may be present.
NOTE: The map provides information and data as of the date of report. Test site observations and samples are collected once each week. Conditions can and do change. If you see cyanobacteria, don't go in the water.
Since 2003, the Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) has trained citizen volunteers to monitor for cyanobacteria at lakeshore locations. Volunteer monitors, along with staff from the Vermont Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, file weekly online reports that are then displayed on the Cyanobacteria Tracker Map. The program helps citizens, along with health, environmental and recreational officials, assess the safety of our beaches. It also provides important data to help us further understand when and why blooms occur.
