LAKE COUNTY — As daytime temperatures rise to normal summer readings, the threat of algae blooms increases. Some short-duration blooms have already occurred in the waters off of Clearlake and Clearlake Park. The County Water Resources Department has been monitoring these blooms, and to date have not observed high quantities of lyngbya bergei, the type of algae that created the problems last summer.
There are 4 nuisance blue-green algae families in Clear Lake. With a vast watershed, relatively shallow depth, and warm climate, Clear Lake is an ideal environment for the growth of algae. This natural productivity is described by the term eutrophic, which means, simply, that the ecosystem is rich in nutrients. These nutrients feed algae that can become a nuisance when they form mats and die. The most effective method of keeping the algae from becoming a nuisance is to keep them alive and in a normal daily cycle of rising and falling. Algae is a natural part of Clear Lake, and you can prevent mats if you routinely prevent mats from forming. Do not wait until thick mats have formed and the algae begins to die.
What to do:
? Be proactive. Do not wait for the algae to build up.
? Agitate the water to dissipate the slicks as they form by installing a spray system along your shoreline and docks and piers. This system requires a pump, pipe, and nozzles that spray the algae with water to sink it. Use it daily to prevent a buildup. Plans and part lists are available at the Water Resources Web site http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Water_Resources.htm
? Garden hoses can also be used, but avoid using treated drinking water if possible. Use irrigation pumps drawing from the lake with screens protecting the water intake.
? Boat and jet ski traffic should be used in larger areas, or in places where the algae has built up. The prop wash will dissipate the mat into the water column.
? Property owners can work together to keep their adjacent areas algae free. Cost sharing with people who don”t have boats or sharing the costs of a spray system can benefit everyone
For more information call the Water Resources Department at 263-2344 for additional information.
