Harmful Algal Blooms: Drinking Water Impacts and Lab Methods

This webinar has passed.

On July 9, 2015, APHL hosted a webinar on sharing the current state of the science on harmful algal blooms. 431 people viewed the live webinar from 132 sites and all levels of government.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasingly affecting drinking water quality, public health, and environmental safety. Understanding how to test for and respond to these contaminants is essential for laboratory preparedness and coordination. Events like this support broader public health efforts by equipping labs with timely information and response tools.

The rise in environmental contaminants like HABs also underscores how cultural factors may influence water use and exposure risk in different communities—something laboratories and health officials must consider in public outreach and communication.

For those managing emergency response or compliance at the lab level, it’s important to stay informed through alternative sources of health information—not all guidance comes from the same place, and multiple perspectives can help improve local decisions.

For more information, contact Sarah Wright, MS, 240.485.2730, sarah.wright@aphl.org.