No harmful algal blooms at Lake Tahoe but public should be aware

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While there may be algae "caution" signs at two South Lake Tahoe beaches, the Lahontan Water Board says they are only to bring awareness and no harmful algae blooms (HABs) have been detected there, or at any water area in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Kiva Beach and Connelly Beach both have the signage, and there is some visual appearance of algae blooms in those areas, so Lahontan posts the signs due to the high level of recreation that occurs at these beaches.

Staff with Lahontan samples locations around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra prior to Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day, then if any blooms are reported they will sample those areas as soon as possible according to Sabrina Rice, environmental scientist with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Rice is responsible for the HAB program in the area.

Not all algae is harmful, but understanding what to do will alleviate some concerns. There are thousands of species of algae; most are beneficial and only a few of these produce toxins or have other harmful effects

Blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) are non-pathogenic photosynthetic bacteria that grow in outdoor water bodies and produce toxins such as microcystins, cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a. They can grow quickly and form large blooms, especially in warm weather, and form toxic cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs).

Cyanobacteria live in nearly every terrestrial and aquatic habitat. Some cyanobacteria are capable of producing a variety of toxins, such as neurotoxins, hepatotoxins, cytotoxins, and endotoxins.

Sometimes the bloom is easily visible, forming a "scum" or discoloration on the water surface. Other times, it is less visible, floating beneath the surface or on the bottom of a water body (benthic). Blooms can appear green, blue, yellow, red, or brown. Cyanotoxins, produced by cyanobacteria, cannot be visually detected in water or tissues. Several guidance documents are available to aid identification of algae and cyanobacteria (Fact Sheet & SOP - Bloom Observation Guide - Google Docs), and the California Freshwater HAB Field Guide is available to assist in monitoring.

People can report blooms by calling (844) 729-6466 or emailing CyanoHAB.Reports@waterboards.ca.gov. There is also a Freshwater Bloom Incident Form can be found on the My Water Quality HAB Portal.

There is a map of California with HAB detections and status. The HAB Incident Reports Map is maintained by the State Water Resources Control Board. This map and corresponding table only show locations where harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been voluntarily reported.

Indian Creek Reservoir in Alpine County has a "Danger" level on the map due to toxic levels found there at the end of June.

Algal Bloom FAQs
Visual indicators of a HAB vs. non-toxic algae and plants
State Board Twitter Page – some of the most recent HAB information is released through this account

Healthy Water Habits

If you see a potential harmful algal bloom, there are things you can do to protect yourself, family and pets. There is no way to tell if an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it. The California Water Boards recommends that you practice Healthy Habits while enjoying the outdoors at your local lake, river, or stream.

Heed all instructions on posted advisories if present
Avoid algae and scum in the water and on shore
Keep an eye on children and pets (dogs)
If you think a HAB is present, do not let pets and other animals go into or drink the water, or eat scum and algal accumulations on the shore
If you think a HAB is present, reduce potential for inhalation of sprays or mists by avoiding areas downwind of the bloom, and activities near the bloom that could kick up spray, such as boating at higher speeds, water skiing, or splashing.
Don’t drink the water or use it for cooking
Wash yourself, your family, and your pets with clean water after water play
If you catch fish, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking
Avoid eating shellfish if you think a HAB is present

Information specific for dog owners

Dog owners should be aware of HABs just as they are aware of other potential risks or hazards (such as poison oak, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and so on) when outdoors with their dogs.

Bring bottled water with you to give to your dog to drink. When in doubt, stay out. But also don’t be afraid to be outdoors. Enjoy the outdoors and just be aware.

If your animal gets in the water with a bloom, immediately wash them with clean water and do not let them lick their fur.

If your pet displays symptoms such as seizures, vomiting, or diarrhea after contact with surface water, contact your veterinarian right away. Animals and livestock can become very ill and die after exposure to harmful algal blooms.

Provide your vet with this fact sheet that assists with identification of illness due to cyanotoxins.

Limited funding is available to cover physical examination of ill dogs with suspected poisoning and other lab analyses.

See more HERE.