Dangerous algae bloom detected at Indian Creek Reservoir

ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Blue-green algae toxins have been detected in Indian Creek Reservoir and lake users have been advised to avoid water contact. The Alpine County Health Department has been working with The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and South Tahoe Public Utility District and the Alpine Watershed Group (AWG) in determining that there are levels of toxin associated with blooms of blue-green algae in multiple lakes in Alpine County that are toxic to animals and humans.

Samples have been collected from Red Lake and Heenan Reservoir which have shown no toxins are present at this time requiring no advisories. Levels at Indian Creek Reservoir have been determined to be well above the “DANGER” level. The lake is being posted with the appropriate warning signs in effect until further notice. Ongoing testing will be conducted on a regular basis.

Dr. Richard Johnson, public health officer for Alpine County, said his prediction is that conditions will get worse before they get better. He believes that significant amounts of ash from the Tamarack Fire surrounding the lake have been washed into the lake with each rain event this winter and spring creating a nutrient-rich environment facilitating algae growth.

At Lake Tahoe, there is a caution notice for algae at Kiva Beach but it has been almost a month since results in that area have been rechecked. On June 8, a "caution" notice was issued due to some algae and "scum" found in the area. Don't let pets go into the water where there is this scum, nor let them drink the water.

A statewide map of all testing spots, and current results can be found HERE. This map and corresponding table only show locations where harmful algal blooms have been voluntarily reported and documented.

Blue-green algae (known as cyanobacteria) can be naturally present in any body of fresh water. It looks like green, blue-green, white, or brown scum, foam, or mats floating on the water. Warmer air and water temperatures, high nutrient levels, and slow and stagnant water can cause cyanobacteria to multiply at an excessive rate and turn into a harmful algae bloom (HAB). When HABs are present, the algal scum can be a variety of colors such as fluorescent blue, green white, red or brown. Blooms can have more than one color present and may look like thick paint floating on the water and give off a foul odor. HABs may move to different locations of the lake by wind or wave. If you see signs of a HAB, such as discolored, pea-green water, surface scum, floating algae, stay out of the water.

Following exposure to blue-green algae toxins, potential symptoms in dogs can include lethargy, difficulty breathing, salivation, vomiting, urination, diarrhea, or convulsions leading to death. The unexplained death of a dog after contact with contaminated water is often a sentinel event that
alerts officials to the potential of a toxic bloom. People can experience eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold or flu-like symptoms, with impacts to the liver. Dogs and children are most likely to be affected because of their smaller body size and tendency to stay in the water for longer periods. While there is no antidote for exposures, persons should see their physician, and those with pets that may have been exposed should go to their veterinarian for supportive care.
Livestock that are drinking contaminated water can also suffer fatal consequences.

For more information on HABs, visit https://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/.