Colorado public health officials are tracking nine algae blooms in reservoirs around the state, prompted in part by this summer’s hot temperatures and low water levels. Colorado officials warned of a busy season for toxic algae earlier this summer, saying they might show up earlier than usual after a record-poor winter ended a month early. … This summer’s conditions have set the stage for rapid algae growth. Algae love warm, stagnant, shallow water and higher concentrations of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can be found on farms and in household products. … After a record-low snowpack this winter, the spring snowmelt was earlier and less than usual. That meant less water to refill reservoirs before the summer irrigation season.

Other harmful algae bloom news:

• Santa Fe New Mexican: Harmful algal blooms reappear across lakes in New Mexico
• Denver Gazette (Colo.): Swim beach at reservoir closed due to “potentially harmful” algae bloom