CLEARLAKE – An Environmental Health Advisory notice has been issued advising residents against swimming in or ingesting lake water in various areas of Clearlake. Environmental specialists were collecting samples on Monday and official results are pending.
James Scott, supervising registered environmental health specialist for Lake County Environmental Health (LCEH) reported that several complaints have been received regarding suspected raw sewage along the shores of Clear Lake near Austin Park, Highlands Park and Redbud Park in the City of Clearlake.
“We received several complaints that it was raw sewage but everything we”ve evaluated turned up negative for indications of a sewage leak,” Scott said. “We are sampling the algae to determine what kind of algae it is. We also did a coli test with negative results.”
Scott reported that water samples were taken from Redbud Park, Wayland Road, Highlands Park, Harbor Lite Resort, Manakee Beach and Austin Park. Samples were to be sent out for evaluation on Monday.
The massive presence of a thick, odoriferous algae-type substance surfaced along the shores in the City of Clearlake about two to three weeks ago. According to LCEH, the substance appears to a blue-green algae species known as Aphanizomenon.
“The appearance of this form of algae easily can be mistaken for raw sewage,” Scott said.
According to the Lake County Water Resources Division of Public Works, recent weather and water conditions have been conducive in this type of algal growth. Further analysis is in progress to confirm the exact species and to clarify any potential health impacts.
As an immediate, temporary solution, Clearlake Public Works, Lake County Fire Protection District and volunteers Tommy Vallot and Clay Van Hausen spent much of the day Monday spraying out Thompson Harbor at Redbud Park. The crew used high-pressure, water tank hoses to break up the algae and push it out of the harbor.
“We want to get this cleaned up so it”s useable to our residents and guests,” Clearlake Public Works Supervisor Doug Herren said. “We”ve had some people coming in to launch their boats and they are getting stuck in the algae blossom.”
Herren said that easterly winds blowing in from the west have contributed to the accumulation of algae in the southern part of the lake. “I don”t know if there is a solution, but I wish the county would look into it,” he said. “We”re doing the best we can do.”
As a precaution, LCEH recommends that individuals of all ages as well as pets avoid swimming in or ingesting lake water in the affected areas. Families should exercise caution in keeping children and pets away from the water.
For more information contact Lake County Environmental Health during regular hours at 263-1164 or after hours at 263-2690.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
