LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Varying weather conditions seem to have everyone guessing about how much blue‐green algae might appear in Clear Lake this summer.
Accumulations have been observed in some areas, only to vanish overnight.
Although accurate predictions about this year’s blue‐green algae patterns may be difficult, experts in Lake County’s Water Resources Department verify the presence of blue‐green algae and note that the current dominant type is Lyngbya, similar to previous years.
There are many types of blue‐green algae (technically cyanobacteria). Some of them are capable of producing toxins that can have a variety of harmful effects on humans and animals, according to county health officials.
Although cyanotoxin tests in Clear Lake have consistently been well within recommended limits for safe recreation, health officials still recommend caution in areas with accumulations of algal mats, visible surface scum, or a “pea soup” appearance of the water.
In these areas, swimming and wading in the water should be avoided by people of all ages. Officials said pets should not be allowed to swim in these areas or drink lake water.
Another condition health officials said people should know about is “swimmer’s itch,” a fairly common cause of rash in people who swim or wade in areas of lakes and ponds where aquatic water plants and weeds flourish. It is an allergic reaction that results from a tiny parasite that is released from snails.
The parasite normally burrows into the skin of various birds and mammals. In the case of humans, the parasite quickly dies, but produces an allergic reaction that results in an intensely itchy rash. The condition generally resolves without special medical care, health officials reported.
Swimmer’s itch is not a condition that must be reported to public health authorities, but unofficial reports have been common this year.
Tips for safe recreation in lake water include:
Avoid contact with water in areas with thick surface foam, scum, a pea soup appearance, heavy growth of aquatic plants and water weeds. After swimming, towel off promptly. Even better, shower with fresh water. After pets swim, rinse with fresh water and towel them dry. Do not allow them to lick fur dry. Never drink untreated lake water. Boiling lake water does not guarantee that it is safe to drink.
By observing a few simple precautions, visitors and residents can safely recreate in and around Clear Lake and enjoy all of the beauty and outdoor activities it has to offer.
For more information, visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Environmental_Health/Blue-Green_Algae.htm?PageMode=Print ,
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/pages/bluegreenalgae.aspx or http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HEALTHINFO/DISCOND/Pages/SwimmersItch.aspx .