Organization looking to reduce algae blooms in Togus Pond | Local News [Video]

AUGUSTA — Algae blooms can be very dangerous. Once it starts taking over and if left untreated, it eventually can squeeze much needed oxygen from its ecosystem.

It can also be very dangerous for humans and animals if the algae is consumed or touched, sometimes causing prolong illnesses and symptoms including stomach pain, headaches and liver damage.

To prevent this, Worromontogus Lake Association helped fund a chemical treatment for Togus Pond that would help eliminate these blooms.

“We are utilizing a product used to treat drinking water it’s called aluminum sulfate, commonly found in pickle relishes and acids, and we utilize that to bind the phosphorous in the lake,” said Tadd Barrow, Water Quality Specialist for SOLitude Lake Management.

According to Barrow, phosphorus is what contributes to algae growth.

Speaking to Worromontogus Lake Association’s president Greg Jolda on the phone, he says TogusPond is one of the many bodies of …