Dock watch program combats harmful algal blooms in Smith Mountain Lake

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The Virginia Department of Health reports four sightings of Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Anna. While there haven’t been any reports at Smith Mountain Lake this year, officials are proactively addressing the issue.

Toxic algal blooms plagued Smith Mountain Lake for the first time last year. One of the challenges was testing the water quickly. Now, the community is working together to find a solution.

Neighbors like Ray Lekich are collecting water samples every two weeks.

“It’s nice to know that the lake is safe for my grandchildren to be swimming,” explained Lekich.

They are all keeping an eye on the water quality.

“We hope to find no harmful algae blooms this year,” added Lekich. “And that’s better for the businesses around the lake and obviously for recreation – for people who live on the lake or visit the lake.”

In June of 2023, the Blackwater Arm portion of the lake, including where Lekich lives, was under a swimming advisory. That is why the Smith Mountain Lake Association created the Dock Watch Program.

“Our volunteers have been trained by the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network of NOAA to not only take the samples, but also to look at them under the microscope,” explained Lake Quality Council Chair Keri Green.

Forty volunteers from different parts of the lake signed up to collect and track data for a year.

“We’re just looking for these five targeted types of cyanobacteria, the ones that are more likely to cause a harmful algal bloom if the conditions are right,” added Green.

Lekich says it’s a very easy process that anyone could do – including the little ones he’s trying to keep safe.

“My grandchildren spend the summer here and so they’ll help me with this and they’ll enjoy looking at the microscope as well,” said Lekich.

So far this year, no toxic algal blooms have been spotted. However, experts say it’s difficult to predict. They recommend reporting any possible sightings, especially as temperatures rise. Although it’s not entirely clear what causes the blooms, scientists say warmer water temperatures can lead to toxin-producing algae.

You can help in the efforts by signing up to volunteer or joining the Smith Mountain Lake Association.