This category focuses on harmful algal blooms (HABs), the toxins they produce, and the conditions that trigger them. Whether you’re a pet owner, a swimmer, a boater, or someone who lives in regions prone to algae outbreaks, these guides explain how cyanobacteria form, how toxins evolve, and what exposure means for humans and animals.

Articles include region-specific insights for outbreak-heavy areas such as Austin, Texas, Lake Tahoe, Zion, and the Southwest. You’ll also find livestock-related guidance and steps to take if you suspect a bloom in a lake, pond, or private water source.

If algae contamination affects home plumbing or drinking water, a Detekt Home Blue-Green Algae Test helps determine whether toxin-producing microbes have entered your water system as a result of environmental intrusion.