Blue-green algae in a Southwest Florida canal

Pictures of blue-green algae get exposed in a Southwest Florida canal.

The cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, had lingering effects on the water after washing away the next day. Effects such as the water not being very clear and leaving an earthy smell behind.

Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani’s concerns stem from what he sees in the water.

“I’ve never really seen water quality visually looking this poor,” Cassani says. “It has this sort of muddy brown ugly look to it. Typically it has sort of more of an amber tan in color. This is something a little different.”

The Calusa Waterkeeper plans on reporting the bloom to the state. This way, it can be tested to see if there are any toxins in the water.