Clear Lake is famous for the thousands of fish in the lake. The lake is known for it abundance of various breeds of fish and the big fish eat the small fish. It’s all part of a food chain.
Along with Clear Lake’s high productivity, algae in the lake can create a situation which can be perceived as a problem to humans. Algae are tiny water plants that cycle normally between the bottom and the surface, floating up and sinking down. During the day, algae generate oxygen within the lake; at night they consume oxygen.
Nuisance blue-green algae, however, can be a problem. From more than 130 species of algae identified in Clear Lake, three species of blue-green algae can create problems under certain conditions. These problem blue-green algae typically “bloom” twice a year, in spring and late summer. The intensity of the blooms vary from year to year, and are unpredictable. The problem occurs when algae blooms are trapped at the surface and die. When this occurs, unsightly slicks and odors can be produced.
What do we need to know about interacting with cyanobacteria?
Skin irritation or rash is a commonly reported health effect. Other symptoms range from gastrointestinal discomfort to neurological effects. The most severe reactions occur when large amounts of water are swallowed. Because dogs are smaller bodied than people and will tend to drink water when swimming or lick their fur, it is advisable to keep dogs out of the water during a cyanobacteria bloom.
If you decide to go in the water, avoid ingesting the water and rinse off with tap water soon after exiting. Use your own best judgment – When in “Doubt, Stay Out!”
Lake County has been treating blue-green algae for more than a 100 years and will continue to treat it. Actually blue-green algae serves as a food source for various species of fish. Small fish called plankton provide a food source for certain special species of fish. The plankton feed on the algae.
