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Cyanobacteria blooms visible in Clear Lake; county offers advice to safely enjoy the lake
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Due to numerous calls from the public asking the Water Resources Department about visible accumulations of cyanobacteria, often referred to as “blue-green algae,” along the shorelines of Clear Lake, Lake County Public Health wishes to remind the public of some recommended safety precautions.
Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms that occur naturally. Under certain conditions, such as high nutrient and light levels, they can reproduce rapidly, resulting in a dense growth or “bloom.”
Blooms can cause discoloration of the water or produce floating scums or mats, which tend to accumulate along shorelines.
In recent days, Lake County Water Resources has confirmed the presence of blooms in various locations along the shorelines of Clear Lake.
The types of cyanobacteria known to be present include Microcystis and Aphanizomenon.
While most blue-green algal blooms are not harmful, some can be. Some are capable of producing algal toxins that can be harmful to humans, pets and wildlife.
Because it is impossible to tell from a visual inspection whether an algal bloom is toxic, the safest approach is to avoid all blooms.
Although toxins can sometimes be present even when a bloom is not obvious, it is generally the case that the worse it looks, the greater likelihood that there could be cyanotoxins.
It is easy to avoid exposure to harmful toxins and still possible to enjoy recreational activities in and around the lake. People and pets should not swim or wade through algal scums.
It is always advisable to promptly shower off with fresh water after swimming in any lake. Activities that generate aerosol, such as jet skiing, should be avoided in affected areas.
Never drink untreated lake water; boiling the water does not inactivate algal toxins. Pets are more susceptible to illness from algal toxins because they are not repulsed by the foul odors often associated with blooms that cause humans to naturally avoid them.
Pets should not drink lake water during a bloom or be allowed to eat the mats – wet or dry – or lick mats and scum off their fur.
With these simple precautions, activities in and near the lake, such as camping, picnicking, biking and hiking are safe, as is boating in unaffected areas.
More information about cyanobacteria can be found at the following links:
– http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Environmental_Health/Blue-Green_Algae.htm ;
– http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/pages/bluegreenalgae.aspx .