Parts of Lake Woodlands have turned a murky green, and the smell is getting worse. An algae bloom that first showed up in late December has stuck around through an unusually warm January. The worst of it is along the southern shore near Northshore Park.
Residents in Grogan's Mill and Sterling Ridge say the lake stinks in the afternoons. Several dog owners got worried after local vets put out warnings about blue-green algae, which can be toxic to pets. At least two residents told the Tribune they've stopped letting their dogs anywhere near the water.
The township hired an outside lab to run water quality tests at eight spots around the lake. Results should come back in two to three weeks. Officials were quick to say Lake Woodlands isn't a drinking water source, and they haven't confirmed whether the bloom is the dangerous blue-green type or a less harmful variety.
Scientists say the bloom is probably the result of warm winter temperatures, nutrient-heavy stormwater runoff, and poor water circulation. The township's lake management contractor got the go-ahead to bring in more aeration equipment and start targeted treatments once the lab results come in.
