The warning

 

“Due to its potential health risks, federal, state and tribal agencies are urging swimmers, boaters and recreational users to avoid contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) now blooming in Copco and Iron Gate reservoirs on the Klamath River,” a recent California Water Boards press release stated. “Cyanobacteria (microcystis aeruginosa) cell counts and toxin levels in Copco and Iron Gate reservoirs exceeded the public health advisory threshold in the most recent round of public health monitoring.”

 

The agencies

 

California agencies including the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and the Department of Public Health, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Yurok and Karuk tribes “urge residents and recreational water users of Copco and Iron Gate reservoirs to use caution or avoid getting in the water near these blooms, especially during these warm months,” the California Water Boards press release continued.

 

The threat

 

“Contact with blue-green algae can cause eye irritation and skin rash,” the release stated. “Caution is urged when consuming fish.” Cyanobacteria can cause health risks to children and pets in particular. The algal blooms look like green, blue-green, white or brown foam, scum or mats floating on the water. Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcer, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold and flu-like symptoms,” the California Water Boards release warned.

 

What to do

 

The Statewide Guidance on Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following:

 

• Avoid wading and swimming in water containing visible blooms or water containing algae, scums or mats.
• If no algae, scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow the water.
• Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated surface water under any
circumstances; common water purification techniques (e.g., camping filters, tablets) may not remove toxins.
• If fish are consumed, remove guts/liver; rinse meat in clean drinking water.
• Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water or swim through heavy algae, scums or mats, nor lick their fur after going in the water. Rinse pets in clean drinking water to remove algae from fur.
• Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue-green algae.

 

Please note

 

“With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people can still visit Copco and Iron Gate reservoirs and enjoy camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, picnicking or other recreational activities, excluding direct contact with the algal bloom,” the release concludes.