Pyramid Lake Algal Bloom
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 3:58 pm
Algal Bloom ‘Warning’ Advisory Affects Entire
Sacramento – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today upgraded its algal bloom
advisory from “Caution” to “Warning” based on tests of lake water this week. “Warning” signs
have been posted around the lake, and Emigrant Landing and Vaquero swim beaches are
closed to swimming. A “Caution” advisory had been in effect for the lake since August 4.
Boating is allowed throughout Pyramid Lake, but recreational users are urged to avoid direct
contact with blue-green algae, which can pose health risks, particularly to children and pets.
Visitors are urged to choose safe water activities while recreating there. They should avoid
ingesting water, and pets should be kept away from the water in all areas under this advisory.
Toxic blue-green algae exposure can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers,
vomiting, diarrhea, and cold- and flu-like symptoms. Pets can be especially susceptible because
they tend to drink while in the water and lick their fur afterwards.
Bloom conditions can change rapidly, and wind and waves may move or concentrate the bloom
into different regions of the lake. The algal bloom can appear as blue-green, white or brown
foam, scum or mats that can float on the water’s surface and accumulate along the shoreline
and boat ramp area.
The Statewide Guidance on Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the
following for waters impacted by blue-green algae:
• Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water, swim through algae, scums or
mats or lick their fur after going in the water. Rinse pets in clean water to remove algae
from fur.
• Avoid wading, swimming or jet or water skiing in water containing algae blooms or
scums or mats.
• Do not drink, cook, or wash dishes with untreated surface water from these areas under
any circumstances; common water purification techniques such as camping filters,
tablets, and boiling do not remove toxins.
• People should not eat mussels or other bivalves collected from these areas. Limit or
avoid eating fish; if fish are consumed, remove the guts and liver, and rinse filets in clean
drinking water.
• 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. Also, make sure to contact the local county
public health department.
For more information, visit:
California Department of Public Health:
https://archive.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/ ... algae.aspx
State Water Resources Control Board - California CyanoHAB Network:
http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/monito ... index.html
CA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment: Information on Microcystin
http://oehha.ca.gov/ecotoxicology/gener ... crocystins
US Environmental Protection Agency: CyanoHAB website
https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/cyanohabs