Algal Toxins (Fact Sheet)

Deteriorating drinking water quality, including the presence of taste and odor-causing compounds derived from cyanobacteria (“algae”) blooms, continues to be a major concern for municipal drinking water suppliers. The same blooms that produce taste and odor compounds can also produce toxins that are known to cause chronic and/or acute health effects in humans and animals. This fact sheet discusses the sources and types of algal toxins, related regulations, and available treatment options.