Excessive algae impacts Lake Lanier water quality

There’s a big situation at Lake Lanier that affects our drinking water: Too much algae.

It can affect the taste and smell, even after treatment.

Dale Caldwell, the director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Headwaters, told Channel 2's Audrey Washington the heightened algae levels are all a result of excess nutrients flowing into the lake.

“A natural amount of algae is fine and healthy, but too much can cause problems,” Caldwell said.

As you can imagine this affects the millions of people who depend on Lake Lanier for water supply every day.

According to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Headwaters, it collected the samples in 2019 which showed the highest levels of algae or chlorophyll in 20 years at Lake Lanier.

“The excess algae is caused by excess nutrients in the system and that can come from wastewater treatment plants discharges, agricultural lands, fertilizer or urban lands from fertilizer,” Caldwell said. “The levels are increasing every year.”

With the new data released, Caldwell said it’s time for the state to take action and help reduce water pollution.

“It’s going to get worse if we don’t take action and do something about it,” he said.

Advocates say they next plan to take the data to state leaders.