06/09/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/09/2024 00:36
Environmental health officials are reminding community residents to be on the lookout for harmful algal blooms after two dogs died a short time after swimming in a small pool off the Eel River near Fernbridge on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Warm water and abundant nutrients can cause cyanobacteria, sometimes called blue-green algae, to grow more rapidly than usual causing "blooms." These blooms are termed "harmful algal blooms," or HABs, and can produce toxins and taste and odors that cause health risks to humans and animals.
Freshwater HABs can appear as dark green, blue-green, black, orange or brown water or can occur as mats and sometimes create scum or foam on the riverbed or on the water. However, toxins produced by HABs may be present without visual indicators.
Typically, cyanobacteria warnings come out between late July and early August, coinciding with low flows and sustained high temperatures in the inland areas which may contribute to cyanobacteria growth in local rivers and lagoons.
Since 2001, there have been 12 documented dog deaths locally where the dogs died shortly after swimming in Big Lagoon, the South Fork Eel River or the Van Duzen River. In each instance, water samples confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria in the water. Additionally, in July 2021, the confirmed presence of cyanobacteria in the Trinity River east of Willow Creek is believed to have contributed to a dog's death that had occurred weeks before.
Most algal blooms in California contain harmless green algae, however, it is difficult to test and monitor the many miles of local rivers with conditions that readily change. To stay safe, it is best to assume that all algal blooms have the potential to contain toxins.
Officials recommend the following guidelines for recreational users of freshwater areas:
To learn more about cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms, visit the state of California's website at www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html.
To report a bloom, e-mail [email protected] or call 844-729-6466 (toll free). Blooms can also be reported via the "bloomWatch" app which is available for free download on iTunes or Google play.
For information on conditions in Humboldt County, contact the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Division of Environmental Health at 707-445-6215 or 800-963-9241. Photos of suspected blooms can also be emailed to [email protected].
Example of a potentially toxic bloom of cyanobacteria. (Photo by Rich Fadness and Keith Bouma-Gregson, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board [NCRWQCB])
Anabaena, a toxin-producing cyanobacteria, in and around dying green algae. (Photo by Rich Fadness, NCRWQCB)
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