"If our lake is in danger, then our livelihood is in danger," said a local business owner who is raising funds and awareness.

According to the city, the device is a solar-powered buoy that monitors water quality in the lake in real time. It tracks different aspects of the water to predict and treat harmful algae blooms.

Blue-green algae blooms are becoming more common in inland waters. The main sources of harmful algal blooms are excess nutrients in the water, typically phosphorus and nitrogen.

Harmful, blue-green algae blooms have been appearing on bodies of water nationwide, just as you may be drawn to go swimming or boating. Here’s what you should know.

Blue-green algae blooms are becoming more common in inland waters. The main sources of harmful algal blooms are excess nutrients in the water, typically phosphorus and nitrogen.

1. What causes harmful algal blooms? Harmful algal blooms are dense patches of excessive algae growth that can occur in any type of water body, including ponds, reservoirs, rivers, lakes and oceans.