Staying safe while Cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms are present

As temperatures begin to rise, regional health and water resource officials are reminding residents and recreationists to be cautious if they are planning activities on local lakes and streams, now and throughout the summer. Cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in all freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems.

The toxic chemicals produced by these algal blooms are referred to as “cyanotoxins.” Exposure to these toxins causes sickness and other severe health effects in people, pets, and livestock. Sensitive individuals, including young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk of adverse health effects attributable to cyanotoxins.

Individuals are most often exposed while swimming or participating in other recreational activities in and on the water.

If you are concerned you have symptoms resulting from exposure to cyanotoxins, immediately contact your health care provider or call County of Lake Health Services at (707) 263-1090. Please inform them of the timing and details of this exposure. If you see or think you see a cyanotoxin bloom, please contact Water Resources at (707) 263-2344 or Environmental Health at (707) 263-1164. Anyone can report a cyanotoxin bloom or receive additional information at the California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal online at: www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/.

Cyanobacteria or bluegreen algae is not to be confused with green algae (i.e., phytoplankton), which is beneficial, non-toxic, and always present in Clear Lake.

The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians who maintains these water monitoring sites around the lake, is already seeing caution levels of cyanotoxins this season. If you would like to post a sign at your beach or ramp, please contact Water Resources at (707) 2632344.

To find the most current information on Clear Lake's water quality and if a cyanotoxin bloom is occurring, visit the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians' cyanotoxin monitoring webpage online at www.bvrancheria.com/ clearlakecyanotoxins.

For more information about cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms, please visit the County of Lake's Cyanobacteria Webpage: www.lakecountyca. gov/Government/Directory/ WaterResources/ClearLake/ Cyanobacteria.htm