Know before you wade: toxic algae advisories

Harmful algal blooms can make water unsafe for you, your kids, and your dog. Guidepole now surfaces active toxic-algae advisories right on the map, so you can check the water you're headed to before you leave the house.

It's a free safety layer, like our closures layer. Each advisory is a colored pin you can tap for the detail: the water, the toxin, the advice, and a link to the issuing agency.

How to read it

• Red - do not contact the water (active advisory).
• Orange - caution.
• Yellow - health watch.
• Grey - a recently lifted advisory.
• Teal - a reported bloom with no formal advisory tier yet.