Lake Champlain has same blue-green algae as Erie

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Vermont officials say Lake Champlain has the same blue-green algae blooms that are possibly to blame for contaminating drinking water in Lake Erie but the algae is more of a threat to swimmers than to drinking water.

Officials say the intakes for the drinking water are deep in Lake Champlain while the algae blooms tend to be on the surface.

The lake is regularly monitored for algae. Officials say if algae is spotted near intakes, a recommendation is made that the water be tested for toxins.

Last week officials in Toledo, Ohio, warned 400,000 people not to drink the water because of contamination possibly from algae on Lake Erie.

A bigger threat in Vermont is to swimmers. Blue-green algae can release a toxin that can sicken swimmers and pets.