Lake Sunapee Protective Association

Algae Update


There are four general types of algae in Lake Sunapee and surrounding ponds. They thrive in various “seasons”. As shown in the graph, diatoms, green and blue-green algae peak at varous times raning from spring throught the summer. The brown algae peak in November. (dark line in graph)

When conditions are right, that is, there are sufficient light, temperature, and nutrients, algae can become very numerous,
causing “blooms”. If a bloom is sufficiently large, some algae can become toxic and make a water body unhealthy for swimmers.

Of particular interest for Lake Sunapee is a type of blue-green algae called Gloeotrichia.


Date published on web site: 08-01-2007

Graph of the algae seasons