Chara (Muskgrass)

This is an advanced form of algae often mistaken as a submerged flowering plant. It is often called muskgrass or skunkweed because of its foul odor. It is a gray-green color, has no flowers and will not extend above the water surface. It has a grainy or crunchy texture and cylindrical whorled branches with 6-16…

Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)

It is most often blue-green in color, but can also be blue, green, reddish-purple, or brown. It generally grows in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients. Concerns: Discolored water, reduced light penetration, taste and odor problems, dissolved oxygen depletions during die-off, and toxin production. Due to oxygen…