Swimmers, boaters, and recreational users are urged to avoid contact with blue-green algae now blooming in Spring Lake Regional Park, according to the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division.
“A blue-green algae bloom can present a health hazard to those swimming or playing in the lake, especially children and pets. We recommend that people stay out of the water where significant algae are present, and keep their dogs out of these areas,” said Catherine Kuhlman, director of the Regional Water Quality Control Board in Santa Rosa.
Board staff has identified toxin-producing forms of blue-green algae in Spring Lake. Visual inspection of the BGA bloom reveals that state safety guidelines are exceeded. Conditions are being monitored by the board to determine when normal use of the lake can resume.
The algae blooms can look like green, blue-green, white, or brown foam, scum or mats floating on the water. Dogs are especially vulnerable to BGA poisoning because they tend to drink more water and lick algae off their fur. Children are vulnerable because they play in shoreline areas, drink more water than adults when swimming, and are of small body size. Accidentally drinking or swallowing contaminated water can be dangerous. Toxins can cause people to experience eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold or flu-like symptoms.
The Statewide Guidance on Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following:
• Avoid wading and swimming in water containing visible blooms or water containing algae scums or mats, which are most often present on the shoreline;
• Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water or swim through scums or mats, nor lick their fur after going in the water; wash exposed pets in clean drinking water.
• If no algae scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow the water;
• Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated river water;
• Consume fish only after removing guts and liver, and rinsing fillets in clean drinking water, mussels should not be consumed;
• Seek medical treatment if you think that you, your child, or your pet or livestock might have been poisoned by blue green algae toxins. Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue green algae.
