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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

UNL Water

Your natural resource for reliable water information.

Toxic Algae


photo - toxic algae in Nebraska lageAlthough toxic blue-green algae has always been a potential threat to public and animal health, it became an issue of greater concern in Nebraska in 2004. Understanding the appearance of toxic algae, and the potential exposure effects is important for the safe use of lakes and ponds.

Toxic algae presents a problem for many lake owners, water users or managers in Nebraska. The University of Nebraska Lake Water Quality Extension Program has created a visual presentation — What is Toxic Blue-green Algae? — to help lake/pond owners or managers and the general public understand and recognize what toxic blue-green algae is, what to do about it, and to become more aware of the complicated water quality issues that relate to it.

For more information on toxic algae, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Calculate the volume of your pond

Knowing the surface area and volume of a pond is critical information to making proper pond management decisions about chemical dose, evaporation/filling rates, fish stocking rates, etc. You can calculate a simple estimation of area and volume by using this New Pond Management Tool.