Utility Field Guide for Developing a Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxin Monitoring Program

Cyanobacterial blooms and associated cyanotoxin occurrences are increasing in frequency and magnitude. Utilities must balance costs, meet regulatory requirements, and address public concerns while managing harmful algal blooms (HABs). This project developed a field guide and recommendations for best practices that utilities can use in the development of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin monitoring strategies. These tools provide utilities with the guidance needed to characterize risk, understand their risk tolerances, develop an efficient and cost-effective monitoring plan, and interpret data to obtain actionable intelligence for proactive source water management and treatment plant operations. Published in 2025.