Satellite Insights Track Toxic Algal Blooms in Blue Mesa

WHO:

Phys.org - Researchers are studying harmful algal blooms in Blue Mesa Reservoir.

WHAT:

Phys.org - Toxic cyanobacteria blooms emerged in Blue Mesa Reservoir during the summers of 2021 and 2022.

NASA - Researchers connected harmful algal blooms with warm water and low water levels.

WHERE:

Phys.org - Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado, USA.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The summers of 2021 and 2022 were noted as tough seasons for the reservoir.

Phys.org - The reservoir reached its lowest level since 1984.

WHY:

Phys.org - A severe drought gripped much of the western U.S., prompting emergency water releases.

HOW:

NASA - Satellite data was used to examine the conditions leading to algal blooms.

(UPDATED July 6, 2026 17:52 UTC)

Researchers are currently studying harmful algal blooms in Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado, where toxic cyanobacteria emerged during the challenging summers of 2021 and 2022. The reservoir, which reached its lowest water level since 1984 due to a severe drought affecting much of the western U.S., has been linked to these blooms through satellite data that revealed connections with warm water and low water levels. Emergency water releases were prompted by the drought conditions, highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges faced by the region.