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A harmful algal bloom (HAB) occurs when toxin-producing algae grow excessively in a body of water. Algae are microscopic organisms that live in aquatic environments and use photosynthesis to produce energy from sunlight, just like plants. The excessive algal growth, or algal bloom, becomes visible to the naked eye and can be green, blue-green, red, or brown, depending on the type of algae.

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found deep within the ground. It occurs in small amounts in ore, along with other elements such as silver, zinc or copper.

A fact sheet that reviews research about the possibility of a connection between fluoridated water and cancer.

Government agencies and the aquatics industry can help keep swimming healthy and fun.

Hot weather provides opportunities for kids to enjoy the outdoors. Take steps to keep them safe and healthy, both indoors and outdoors.

Having fun while you swim this summer means knowing how to prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs) and injuries. Learn how to stay healthy and safe while enjoying the water!

May 19–25, 2014, marks the 10th annual Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week. This observance highlights ways in which swimmers, parents, pool owners and operators, beach managers, and public health can maximize the health benefits of water-based physical activity, while avoiding water-associated illness and injury.

The United States has one of the safest public drinking water supplies in the world (1). Tap water not only provides water for daily household activities such as drinking, bathing, and cooking, it also benefits the entire community by providing water to serve businesses, schools, and hospitals, and to promote overall health (2). May 4–10, 2014, is Drinking Water Week, an annual observance whose theme ("What Do You Know About H2O?") underscores the many ways in which all consumers can get to know their water (3).

Water is the foundation for life. Learn more about the vital role safe water plays in our lives and what CDC is doing to address challenges to our water supply.

Water is the foundation for life. Learn more about the vital role safe water plays in our lives and what CDC is doing to address challenges to our water supply.