By Dani Zacky
In the summer of 2022, an unprecedented toxic algae bloom hit San Francisco Bay, killing innumerable fish and other marine creatures. Now, the toxic bloom is back. Algae blooms are triggered by the discharge of nitrogen and phosphorus into the Bay. Since warm water promotes algae growth, we can expect blooms to get worse and more frequent as the climate continues to heat up.
To prevent the devastating prospect of annual toxic algae blooms, the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Board must act. The Water Board is the agency with the power to set the limits for harmful nutrients through their permit process. But they have yet to take significant action to reduce nutrient loading from wastewater treatment facilities that would reduce the risk of future blooms.
For the sake of the creatures and humans who call the Bay home, the Regional Water Quality Control Board must act now to reduce nutrient pollution. Here are two ways to make a difference:
- Click here to send a message to the Water Board calling for stronger wastewater discharging permits and multi-benefit solutions to nutrient pollution.
- Join us at the September 13, 2023 meeting of the Water Board to urge them to reduce nutrient discharges into the Bay. RSVP here and we'll send you talking points and information on the event.