‘Caution’ signs will be posted at all 10 public beaches along the Russian River after water tests by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) indicated the presence of blue-green algae toxins.
Though the river remains open for recreational use, the DHS warns that, “potentially harmful algae may be present, “ according to Dr. Karen Holbrook, Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer. “Care should be taken to keep children and pets away from algae, and prevent them from drinking river water.”
The DHS had been watching conditions like the water temperature and visually monitoring the river, Dr. Holbrook said. “When we noted conditions were present that could support rapid growth of algae, including blue-green algae, we started laboratory testing.”
“Caution” is the lowest of three levels of state recommended advisory signage (“Caution” ”Warning” and “Danger”).
“We want to inform people using the Russian River to take steps to protect themselves, their families and especially their pets,” Dr. Holbrook said.
River conditions will be monitored until they no longer support the rapid growth of blue-green algae, she said.
Signs will include these recommendations:
- Stay away from algae in the water.
- Keep children away from algae in the water, on the shore and in isolated side pools.
- Do not drink river water or use for cooking.
- Do not let pets drink the water, or eat scum on the shoreline.
- For fish caught here, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking.
- Rinse off thoroughly with clean water after river play, particularly children and pets.
- The DHS will conduct weekly lab testing until two successive weeks of negative test results.
For questions regarding the status of the Russian River go to the website listed below or call the recorded beach hotline at 707.565.6552.
DHS Environmental Health and Safety Blue-Green Algae Website: http://www.sonoma-county.org/health/services/bluegreen.asp
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