Why do some lakes look blue?

Blue water lakes contain low concentrations of algae and other substances, resulting in high clarity and a deep blue color. Water molecules absorb longer, visible wavelengths (e.g. red light, 600-700 nm) while shorter, blue wavelengths (< 500 nm) pass deeper into the water column.



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Marine and freshwater beaches, lakes, rivers, and ponds can be contaminated with a number of things. Bacteria, chemicals, and other pollutants from sewage bypasses, combined sewer overflows, human and animal feces, urban runoff – can all pollute and contaminate waterways.

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It is common to see dyed water in public and recreational establishments, such as golf courses, recreation parks, ornamental ponds and decorative fountains. Aquatic dyes add blue or blue-green color to the water to reduce sunlight penetration.

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Some areas naturally have more sediment drawn from the surrounding land, particularly agricultural areas, where soil is often broken up and exposed. Water tends to be cloudier during rainier seasons when runoff carries topsoil and other matter into lakes and streams.

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Invasive zebra mussels are mostly responsible for the increased clarity of Lake Michigan. About 25 years ago, Lake Michigan's water was somewhat of a brownish-green color, very different from the pristine blue-green appearance of today.

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11 Lakes With the Bluest Water in the World
  • 01 of 11. Lake Pukaki, New Zealand. Westend61/Getty Images. ...
  • 02 of 11. Lake Malawi, Malawi. ...
  • 03 of 11. Crater Lake, Oregon. ...
  • 04 of 11. Lake Baikal, Russia. ...
  • 05 of 11. Lake Tahoe, California. ...
  • 06 of 11. Lake McKenzie, Australia. ...
  • 07 of 11. Torch Lake, Michigan. ...
  • 08 of 11. Moraine Lake, Canada.


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Why is Blue Lake so clean? Scientists attribute the lake water's clarity to its passage underground from Lake Constance, which filters out nearly all the particles suspended in the water. Its clarity reveals water's natural blue-violet colour.

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Pools also tend to be much cleaner than natural lakes. This is because most pool owners take extra care to make sure the pool is sanitized, oxidized, and pH balanced on a regular basis. You're far less likely to pick up an infection from swimming in the local pool.

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Stay out of the water if Cloudy water can be a warning that there are more germs in the water than normal. Discolored or smelly water could mean there is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the water.

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Lake Superior is the Cleanest and Clearest Great Lake Because of its somewhat isolated location and long cold winters, not much farming is done along Superior's shores. This means lower amounts of nutrients, sediments, and organic material are floating around the lake.

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So you know how when you go for a dip in the ocean and you come out covered in salt crust and with the distinct stench of rotting seaweed? Yeah, that doesn't happen in the Great Lakes. The water may be colder, but it's wonderfully clean.

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