Reservoirs identified as source of food for toxic algae

A major study by researchers at Waterloo Engineering suggests that managing reservoirs for water quality, not just flood control, could help solve annual summer algal blooms in Lake Erie.

Based on analysis of data from more than 200 testing locations in Canada and the United States, the study found reservoirs on streams and rivers supply food for algae to grow at the worst possible time.

“Our work shows reservoirs can play a significant role,” said Nandita Basu, a cross-appointed professor of civil and environmental engineering, and earth and environmental sciences, as well as a member of the Water Institute at Waterloo.

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