BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — An online tool developed by hydrologists has helped the state spot potential toxic algae blooms in Idaho and issue health advisories early.

State officials every summer detect harmful blooms in Idaho waters, including this year, when the Department of Health and Welfare issued an advisory for the Brownlee and Hells Canyon reservoirs. The U.S. Geological Survey developed the Remote Aquatic Chlorophyll-a Tracker, shortened to REACT, an online tool that monitors and maps out where chlorophyll-a has been detected via satellite.

WEBSITE: Remote Aquatic Chlorophyll-a Tracker

The harmful algae blooms occur in still water from rapid overgrowth of cyanobacteria, which are harmful to people, livestock and pets. Chlorophyll-a is a green pigment that is found in the toxin-

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