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Algae gunks up Lake Ontario beaches on the US side more than the Canadian side

By Carol Thompson | March 9, 2012

In the past five years the amount of algae in Lake Ontario has exploded to levels scientists say were commonplace 25 years ago.

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Beach managers test for E. coli while another germ goes undetected

By Carol Thompson | February 7, 2012

While health agencies look for faster ways to detect harmful E. coli bacteria on public beaches, they overlook another germ that may cause even greater problems.

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Viruses seeping into Wisconsin wells

By Carol Thompson | December 9, 2011

There’s no federal requirement that municipalities have to disinfect the groundwater and Wisconsin scientists found that viruses can get into deep wells and make people sick.

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Green buffers keep birds from fouling beaches

By Carol Thompson | December 7, 2011

A big stretch of white, sandy beaches is a picturesque scene for vacationers looking to swim, read or build sandcastles. But a clear shoreline on Great Lakes beaches can also attract pests — birds.

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Power plants affect Great Lakes watersheds

By Carol Thompson | November 28, 2011

The Great Lakes face harm from overuse, according to a new report from the Great Lakes Commission that explores the connection between energy production and water.

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Pharmaceutical compounds contaminate the Great Lakes

By Carol Thompson | October 6, 2011

Pain medicine, birth control, anti-depressants and other pharmaceuticals make their way into the Great Lakes through municipal water systems and stormwater runoff.

That threatens human health, harms wildlife and contaminates drinking water, according to a recent report.