Chase Beach is experiencing a bloom of blue-green algae. 

What are blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, are a group of photosynthetic bacteria that many people refer to as "pond scum." Blue-green algae are most often blue-green in color, but can also be blue, green, reddish-purple, or brown. Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen.

When environmental conditions are just right, blue-green algae can grow very quickly in number. Most species are buoyant and will float to the surface, where they form scum layers or floating mats. When this happens, we call this a "blue-green algae bloom." 

Symptoms that may be related to exposure to blue-green algae  include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing.

For information on beach inspection, please click here.