What are blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae are naturally occurring bacteria found in rivers, lakes, soil, tree trunks and other places. In certain weather conditions, particularly involving long periods of hot dry weather, the blue-green algae "blooms" and there is a significant increase in the blue-green algae cell population. The recent local bloom has resulted in unprecedented levels of blue-green algae in Clear Water Lagoon, Lake Moondarra and Lake Julius.