Significant algae bloom leads to concerning cyanotoxin levels in multiple sites on Clear Lake
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Updated results from water quality testing at numerous locations on Clear Lake have confirmed several sites are at the “danger” level for cyanotoxins.
Clear Lake is a national treasure, and was recently named Best Bass Lake of the past decade by Bassmaster Magazine, as Lake County News has reported.
“It is also a large and biologically diverse natural body of water, and therefore dynamic in water quality,” said Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace.
“Given the warm weather and the long hours of sunlight this time of year, we are seeing large cyanobacteria/blue-green algae blooms at various places around the lake. In some locations, cyanotoxin has been detected at ‘danger’ levels,” Pace said.
Lake water monitoring is regularly conducted by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Elem Indian Colony at approximately 30 Clear Lake sites.
During June 23 sampling, Pace said worrisome levels of cyanotoxin were detected at 10 sites, which are shown on the map above. Based on lab testing results, four sites reached the “danger” level.
Those sites at the danger level are:
· Austin Park (AP01, Lower Arm);
· Buckingham (BP, Lower Arm);
· Jago Bay (JB, Lower Arm);
· Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine shoreline (SBMMEL01, Oaks Arm).
Other sites of concern are:
· Lily Cove (LC01, Lower Arm): Warning.
· CL-4 (Oaks arm, center of arm): Caution.
· CLV7: Caution.
· Elem Indian Colony shoreline (ELEM01, Oaks Arm): Caution.
· Keeling Park (KP01, Upper Arm): Caution
· Lucerne (LUC01, Upper Arm): Caution.
While much of the aquatic plant growth visible in the lake right now is harmless, cyanobacteria, when present in sufficient abundance, can produce cyanotoxins, which pose health hazards to humans, livestock and pets, said Pace.
“Varying levels of the toxin can be detected at different locations, so there is no need to be overly concerned about activities in areas of the lake where algae blooms are not present,” Pace said.
At the “danger” and “warning” levels, Pace said toxins from algae in the water can harm people and kill animals.
“Everyone should stay out of the water in those areas and not touch scum in the water or on the shore. Pets should stay out of the water, not drink the water, and avoid the scum. Fish and shellfish should not be eaten from those areas,” Pace said.
Symptoms of exposure include skin rashes, eye irritation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Pace said pets who contact the toxin can experience seizures and death.
Pace said to contact a medical provider or veterinarian if symptoms due to exposure are suspected.
For current cyanotoxin lab results, please visit the Clear Lake Water Quality Facebook page and Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ cyanotoxin monitoring website.
Further resources are available at the county’s pages on cyanobacteria and cyanohealth.
CDC guidance regarding harmful algal blooms can be found here.