(Toledo, OH) An early season projection shows this year's Lake Erie algae bloom will be larger than normal, but not a record-setter.
Researchers from the federal government and Heidelberg University predict the western Lake Erie basin will see a bloom between six and eight on a scale of ten.
Farm run-off is the biggest factor, followed by spring rains-- and May was a soaker. Heat, water temperature, and prevailing winds also have an impact.
The early-season projection is meant to give water plant operators along the North Coast a heads-up following 2014's Toledo toxic water crisis. But the official algae bloom forecast won't come until mid-July.