LAKEPORT – With warm weather in the forecast and recreational water sports gearing up, health and water resource officials across the state are reminding the public to be mindful of cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae). These are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in all freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems. Usually, cyanotoxin concentrations are low, and not harmful to animals and humans. Sometimes, when conditions are favorable (high nutrients and warm weather), these organisms can grow rapidly, forming visible colonies or “blooms.” Cyanobacteria, and even some algae, produce toxins that reach hazardous levels when blooms occur. These are called cyanotoxins and are classified as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Blue-green algae is not to be confused with green algae, which is beneficial, non-toxic, and always present in Clear Lake. Water testing is the best way to identify the type of algae that is in the lake at a specific time. During the warm seasons and since 2014, water quality and cyanotoxin testing is conducted about every two weeks at over 20 locations throughout Clear Lake, provided by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the Elem Indian Colony. To find out if a bloom is occurring and toxins are present, visit the Clear Lake Cyanotoxin Monitoring website at: https://www.bvrancheria.com/clearlakecyanotoxins. This website will have the most current cyanotoxin lab results for the monitoring locations on the shoreline and interior of Clear Lake.
“We are pleased to provide this service to the community; the lake is of utmost importance to our Tribe,” says Big Valley Band of Indians Tribal Chairman Anthony Jack. “Having current information on toxin levels at recreational and traditional use areas increases our knowledge about the lake and its needs.”
Newly placed since last summer, you will see permanent informational signs throughout the county and cities, at all public parks and public access points that coincide with the water testing locations. Please see the map showing water testing locations. No testing locations have reached Caution levels yet this season, and all results showed non-detectable cyanotoxin levels at the last sampling on June 25, 2019. You will see additional signs if cyanotoxins reach Caution, Warning, or Danger levels. The signs will be brightly colored and will be affixed below the permanent informational signs in order to provide the public specific guidance on which activities are safe to continue. The permanent signs are the culmination of a collaborative communication effort between multiple partners: The County of Lake, Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Elem Indian Colony, the City of Lakeport, and the City of Clearlake. The signs include a QR code, which can be scanned by a smart phone and will take you the Big Valley Rancheria Clear Lake Cyanotoxin Monitoring website. If you would like to post a sign at your beach or ramp, please contact Water Resources at (707) 263-2344.
If you see, or think you see, a cyanobacteria bloom, please contact Water Resources at (707) 263-2344, Environmental Health at (707) 263-1164, or Public Health at (707) 263-1090.
