Latest Clear Lake testing shows four areas of concern
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The latest testing of nearly two dozen sites on Clear Lake shows that there are four areas where cyanobacteria levels have triggered warnings.
Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Elem Indian Colony are conducting the water testing on a regular basis.
The most recent results reflect testing largely conducted on Aug. 5, and four areas of Clear Lake demonstrated concerning levels of cyanotoxins, which are produced by blue-green algae, officials said.
Readings of 20 micrograms per liter, or µg/L, trigger “danger” level warnings.
Testing results from July 26 and Aug. 5 showed the following areas of concern:
– Lily Cove (LC01) with a lab result from July 26 of 150 µg/L; danger zone (red). This site is not yet a regular sampling site; however the danger level from preliminary Abraxis strip testing done on July 26 was confirmed with a lab result.
– Austin Park Beach (AP01) had a lab result of 48 µg/L on July 22, which decreased to 1.9 µg/L on Aug. 5; caution zone (yellow).
– Sulphur Bank Mine (SBMMEL01) with a lab result from Aug. 5 of 0.92 µg/L; caution zone (yellow).
– Cache Creek Shady Acres (SHADY01) had a lab result of 25 µg/L on July 26, which decreased to 0.87 µg/L on Aug. 5; caution zone (yellow). Lab results improved from danger to caution or below caution level from additional testing done in between sampling events, July 26 to Aug. 5.
In addition, Redbud Park (RED01) had a lab result of 32 µg/L on July 26 which decreased to 0.41 µg/L on Aug. 5, which is below the caution zone. Its results also improved because of additional testing between July 26 and Aug. 5.
Lake County Public Health urges boaters and recreational users to avoid direct contact with or use of waters containing cyanobacteria in Lake County.
The recommendation is based on the potential health risks from cyanobacteria, which is currently blooming at varying levels in the Lower Arm and Oaks Arm of Clear Lake.
Cyanobacteria can pose health risks, particularly to children and pets. Health officials urge people to choose safe activities when visiting natural bodies of water, particularly where blooms are visible.
It is strongly recommended that people and their pets avoid contact with water and avoid swallowing lake water in an algae bloom area.
For current cyanotoxin lab results, please visit the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians cyanotoxin monitoring Web site.
For more information and resources, visit the County’s cyanobacteria pages at http://www.lakecountyca.gov/cyanobacteria/ and http://www.lakecountyca.gov/cyanohealth/ .