A study by Ohio State University researchers shows algae blooms lower the values of homes on waterways surrounding them. The study shows the combined values for homes near four algae-infested lakes fell by more than 150 million dollars from 2009 to 2015. Sale prices for houses adjacent to algae-affected Grand Lake St. Marys and Buckeye Lake fell by more than 22 percent. Lead study author David Wolf says homeowners can take precautions to make sure the problem doesn't get worse.
A related study shows algae blooms in Lake Erie caused a 10 percent drop in sales of fishing licenses when the blooms posed a moderate health risk.