For the first time, scientists have put a dollar value on the property damage done by blue-green algae blooms that result from nutrient run-off into water ways.

Jeff Alexander of the Muskegon Chronicle reports that scientists at the University of Kansas have determined that algae blooms triggered by phosphorus and nitrogen run-off do $4 billion dollars in damage nationally each year — mostly by reducing lakefront property values.

“The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, is significant locally because algae blooms have plagued several West Michigan lakes in recent years, including Muskegon Lake, Mona Lake, Bear Lake and Spring Lake,” Alexander writes.

Most nutrient pollution is the result of improper lawn fertilizing practices and poor farming technique.

In addition to degrading property values, blue-green algae can contain toxins that can cause serious health problems when touched, inhaled or swallowed.

Some Michigan communities have banned the use of phosphorus-containing fertilizers in an effort to protect waterways from algae.