Normally a picturesque blue lake surrounded by steep volcanoes and Mayan settlements, Lake Atitlán acquired a film of green scum in October and November 2009. A large bloom of cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae, affected various parts of the lake
Hurricane "STAN" knocked out sewage treatment facilities in some places, and these were never repaired. Other causes are cited as the increase in phosphorous in the lake (government provides free fertilzer to small farmers, including those in the lake area), and pollution of the lake by detergents
Town halls, Justices of the Peace and health authorities have combined to tackle the problem. They are making inspections: a hotel in Panajachel has been closed, and they say the owners of any hotels or homes polluting the lake will be fined and have their water cut off
The people in San Lucas use septic pits, and our part of the lake is less affected. The prevailing wind from the south also helps us! On Sunday mornings, groups of volunteers go to the lake, and work on cleaning up the lakeshore
Pollution in Lake Atitilan
Women continue to wash in the
lake, but only in some areas
