In July, Big Chapman Lake experienced several blue-green algae blooms, including this one, according to the Lilly Center For Lakes & Streams, which provided the above photo. It was taken by Jane Loos on Big Chapman Lake.

News Release

WINONA LAKE – Lilly Center For Lakes & Streams has identified some new blue-green algae blooms this summer and is seeking the public’s help in finding more so officials can study the aquatic events.

Lilly Center did not release any figures, but a spokesperson said they plan to have a report after the summer ends.

The blooms looks like “pea soup,” much like what is seen in the photo above.

Blue-green algae are puzzling (that’s why we and other scientists are actively studying it) but what we do know is that blooms tend to happen in warm, stagnant water that’s over-saturated with nutrients from the surrounding land, the Lilly Center said in a newsletter released Thursday, July 29.

Blooms tend to occur more frequently in late summer due to consistently warm weather and extra nutrients in the water.

Anyone who comes across a blue-green algae bloom is asked to email a picture of the bloom (plus the location and time) to [email protected].

To better understand the importance that nutrients play in lakes, here is a quick summary from the Lilly Center.