29 Clear Lake sites tested for cyanobacteria; elevated levels of cyanotoxin found near Austin Park
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Testing of numerous sites on Clear Lake conducted this week by two local tribes has found elevated cyanobacteria levels near Clearlake’s Austin Park.
Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Elem Indian Colony took samples to monitor levels of cyanotoxins – which are produced by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria – at approximately 29 Clear Lake sites on Monday, the county of Lake reported.
Austin Park Beach had a screening Abraxis test strip showing more than 20 parts/billion of microcystin cyanotoxin.
“This is considered ‘elevated,’ and raises concern, and the samples were sent to a regional lab for confirmation and quantification. Caution signs have been posted,” said Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace.
“In the same area, there has been visual evidence of large algal blooms that resemble the kinds that produce cyanotoxins. Additionally, last week, one person reported a skin reaction after boating through a large bloom in the area,” Pace said.
Pace said 28 other sites around the lake were tested and did not show elevated levels on the screening tests performed.
Public Health urges boaters and recreational users to avoid direct contact with or use of waters containing cyanobacteria in Lake County.
The recommendation is based on the potential health risks from cyanobacteria, which is currently blooming at varying levels in the Clearlake Oaks area and the Lower Arm of Clear Lake.
Cyanobacteria can pose health risks, particularly to children and pets. Public Health urges people to choose safe activities when visiting natural bodies of water, particularly where blooms are visible.
It is strongly recommended that people and their pets avoid contact with water and avoid swallowing lake water in an algae bloom area.
If anyone you are with begins to experience problems (skin, gastrointestinal, neurologic) that may be related to contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), contact your medical provider or go to the emergency department. If your animal has symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
In either circumstance, call the Public Health Department, at 707-263-1164, so further investigation can be undertaken.
For current cyanotoxin lab results, please visit the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians cyanotoxin monitoring website.
For more information and resources, visit the county’s cyanobacteria pages here and here.
For general Water Quality questions regarding Clear Lake, call Lake County Water Resources, at 707-263-2344.