Scott De Leon, director of the County’s Public Works Department and Water Resources, reported that Water Resources staff has been on the lake throughout the summer performing regular water monitoring activities and the presence of a different species at this time is not surprising.
The species is identified as Microcystis, a species that tends to appear in spring and fall, whereas summer algal blooms in recent years have consisted mostly of a species called Lyngbya.
“Similar to other species of blue-green algae that we’ve seen, Microcystis also has the potential to release toxins, so it’s important for people to avoid areas with heavy algae accumulation or surface matting, regardless of the type,” De Leon said.
When viewed in the water, the Lyngbya species appears to be fibrous with hair-like filaments and creates floating mats that turn turquoise, purple, orange, and yellow.
In contrast, the Microcystis species appears to be more granular and its presence makes the affected water look like bright-green pea soup.
Both species can produce nuisance odors and may release toxins into the water, county officials reported.
Although the species are different, the advice remains the same, that is, common sense.
Lake County Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait agreed, recommending that it is best to avoid areas near dense patches of algae.
“If you see signs of algae accumulation, it’s best to keep away from that area,” Dr. Tait said.
Dr. Tait and officials from Lake County’s Environmental Health Division continue their recommendations that people and pets stay out of impacted areas, that untreated lake water never be used for drinking water, and that anyone experiencing symptoms after exposure should contact their physician.
“Clear Lake is one of many recreational water bodies around the world that are experiencing a similar increase in the presence of algae blooms,” De Leon said.
He noted that since algae mats move with the currents, the expanse of Clear Lake combined with changing winds can make mitigation efforts a challenge.
De Leon also said, “That also means that at any given time, there are generally many areas on Clear Lake that are not affected.”
The algae monitoring and mitigation efforts are part of the county’s focused approach to protect Clear Lake’s ecosystem and to enable residents and visitors to enjoy the lake to the fullest extent possible.
Lake County’s Water Resources staff has been trying a variety of techniques to mitigate the nuisance algae all summer, including harvesting, aeration and circulation, and chemical treatments.
It is expected the algae will subside significantly with the forecasted cooler temperatures.
For information on blue-green algae, visit the California Department of Public Health Web site at www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/pages/bluegreenalgae.aspx.
For information on the County’s algae mitigation efforts, contact the Lake County Water Resources office at 707-263-2344.
For health-related questions, contact the Lake County Health Services office at 707-263-1164.
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