Full Notification

Public Information Release
July 27^th, 2018
Lieutenant Rich Ward

Cyanobacteria bloom in Clear Lake: Danger Urged in Water Contact at Clearlake Oaks and Richmond Park

Public Health is urging boaters and recreational users to avoid direct contact with or use of waters containing blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in Richmond Park and Clearlake Oaks in Lake County.

The recommendation is based on the potential health risks from the algae, which is currently blooming in all three arms of the Lake (Upper arm, Oaks Arm, and Lower Arm). Bloom conditions can change rapidly and wind and waves may move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of Clear Lake.  Lake-wide sampling on 7/17 indicated that blooms were present in several locations on Clear Lake.  The CLOAKS01 site lab result showed a level of 480 µg/L, which is at the danger level. The Richmond Park site lab result showed a level of 25 µg/L, which is also at the Danger level. The ELEM01 site showed a level of 4.9 µg/L, the RED01 showed a lab result of 4.1 µg/L, and the KP01 site showed a lab result of 4 µg/L; all of these results are at the Caution level.
 
Water monitoring is done by Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Elem Indian Colony.

The algae bloom can appear as cut grass in the water or 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.

Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae 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 after.

Please press release for full details: http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/PressReleases/Bloom0720.htm