As algal blooms rise, Androscoggin Lake groups fight to ‘keep it blue’

CENTRAL MAINE • August 23, 2026

Androscoggin Lake has had six algal blooms over the past 50 years, with four in the past five years. And last year’s bloom was the earliest and longest the lake has seen. Researchers and community members are trying to figure out why. Together, staff and volunteers from 30 Mile River Watershed Association and the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corp. are conducting sampling, research and data analysis to determine what’s causing the increase and find long-term solutions.