Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Algae is a critical part of freshwater ecosystems; however, Harmful Algal Blooms, or HABs, occur when algae species grow so densely that they have a negative effect on aquatic ecosystems, reduce the quality of water resources, and/or can pose significant risks to human and animal health by producing toxins.
Virginia and West Virginia HABs Homepage
Virginia and West Virginia HABs Homepage
Learn more about HABs investigative studies at the USGS Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center.
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Investigation of Drivers of Harmful Algal Blooms on Lake Anna, Virginia
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Viriginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is monitoring harmful algal blooms (HABs) on Lake Anna in Virginia. The hydrology, water-quality, and weather conditions are evaluated both continuously and discretely to analyze the causes, persistence, and decline of HABs in two tributaries and along Lake Anna. Synoptic monitoring of...
Investigation of Drivers of Harmful Algal Blooms on the Shenandoah River, Virginia
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Viriginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and collaboration with the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) is monitoring harmful algal blooms (HABs) on the two forks of the Shenandoah River in Virginia. Continuous and discrete water-quality and hydrology data is conducted to understand the drivers, persistence...
Harmful Algal Blooms Investigations at the Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Excessive accumulations of algae that impair waterbodies, called harmful algal blooms (HABs), can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, reduce the quality of water resources, and can pose significant risks to human and animal health. The Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center works with state, regional, and local partners to evaluate the drivers and distribution of harmful algal...