Study Highlights Potential for Harmful Algal Blooms at Smith Mountain Lake

Roanoke Lynchburg, VA, September 23, 2026 —

A recent study examining the Smith Mountain Lake watershed has identified the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs) to develop in the lake. However, researchers emphasize that these blooms are not a recurring problem at this time.

The research was conducted by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center in collaboration with its partners. The investigation focused on analyzing various factors that could contribute to the emergence of future algal blooms within the lake’s ecosystem.

As a result of the study, a specialized webtool has been developed. This tool is designed to provide stakeholders with accessible data related to the watershed and the research findings. The specific details of the factors analyzed and the functionalities of the webtool were not provided in the summary.

While the study indicates a potential for HABs, it clearly states that they are not currently a recurring issue for Smith Mountain Lake. The research aims to equip stakeholders with information that could aid in understanding and potentially mitigating future risks, rather than addressing an ongoing crisis.

The contractor’s name, beyond the Virginia Water Resources Research Center and its partners, was not provided. Further details regarding the timeline of the study, specific contributing factors identified, or the exact nature of the data available through the webtool were not included in the summary.

Story summarized from the original created by Staff- WDBJ7 on www.wdbj7.com, see more information here.

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