Local Health Department still monitoring Silver Lake for Cyanobacteria
From Cowlitz County Health Department Press Release 8-14-09
The Cowlitz County Health Department continues to monitor Silver Lake weekly for cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae which can produce toxins hazardous to humans and their pets. Last week water samples collected at Streeters, Kerr and Silver Lake Motel showed microtoxin and anatoxin levels well below thresholds that are considered unsafe. Tests for cyanobacteria levels and toxins on samples collected from Kerr and Streeters earlier this week are still pending.
“The lake is looking visibly better,” said Deputy Health Officer Jennifer Vines, “and we will continue to monitor until levels of cyanobacteria are known to be at safe levels.” The Health Department will provide updates to the public as test results return.
The cautionary signs posted by the Cowlitz County Health Department are the first of three levels of warning with respect to health threats associated with cyanobacteria presence in lakes. There are currently no formal restrictions on use of the lake for swimming or other activities, but the signs will remain in place until cyanobacteria levels are below the safety threshold determined by the World Health Organization.
If toxin levels exceed the accepted safety thresholds, the caution signs may be replaced by more strongly worded warning signs. If toxin levels were to reach dangerous levels, the lake could be closed to swimming.
Public health officials continue to recommend:
· No swimming or wading
· No wind surfing or sail boarding
· No water contact for animals
· Precautions against contact with water while boating or fishing
Public water systems and private wells in the areas around the lake are not affected by the lake water and remain safe to drink.
Eating fish out of the lake is considered safe as long as organs like liver and kidney, the organs where toxins can build up, are carefully removed and not consumed.
Algae blooms may be caused by a combination of factors including temperature and the presence of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers and waste from humans, animals, and agriculture.
Cowlitz County Health Department is not aware of any other potential blue-green algae blooms in the county. The public is urged to watch for conditions of blue-green algae blooms and to report them at (360) 414-5583. Conditions may include:
· Water that looks like thick pea soup or green paint
· A thick mat or foam on the beach
· An unpleasant odor
· Extremely small organisms that are hard to pick up and hold, unlike more common but harmless green algae, which have long, bright green strands.
· Dead fish, waterfowl, or other animals
More information on algae can be found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae.
Showing posts with label Notices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Notices. Show all posts
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Public Health Warning Remains in Effect
From Cowlitz County Public Health Press Release 8-6-09
Public health warning remains in effect despite visible improvement in Silver Lake conditions
Signs posted by Cowlitz County Health Department warn the public to avoid direct contact with water remain at Silver Lake. The presence of blue-green algae was confirmed late last week by the Washington Department of Ecology. Tests for toxins produced by blue-green algae including microcystin and anatoxin take approximately five days and are still pending.
“The posted signs are intended to inform the public of the possible risks associated with exposure to lake water,” explained Deputy Health Officer Jennifer Vines, “the decision to swim in the lake is up to the individual.” The caution signs represent the first of three levels of warning with respect health threats associated with blue-green algae presence in lakes.
The Washington Department of Health has investigated reports of four illnesses and one report of illness in a dog, all associated with Silver Lake exposure, and considers them suspicious for microcystin toxicity. The Department of Health is looking into sending blood samples from one of the individuals to the Centers for Disease Control for microcystin testing and confirmation.
Investigation by Cowlitz County environmental health specialists this week along with reports from citizens who live near the lake confirm that the water is visibly clearer. “Fortunately we have not received any more reports of illness potentially related to lake exposure,” Vines said. “The problem is,” she continued, “algae are more likely to release toxins into the water as they die off.”
Scientists do not know exactly when or why blue-green algae release toxins. Cowlitz County Health Department will remove the cautionary signs once testing shows levels of algae below the accepted safety threshold of the World Health Organization. The Health Department will visit the lake twice weekly for visual inspection and water sampling. If toxin level testing shows unsafe levels, the Health Department will post new signs with a stronger warning to the public and, if toxin levels are dangerously high, may prohibit swimming in the lake.
Because exposure to blue-green algae can cause disease, public health officials continue to recommend:
· No swimming or wading
· No wind surfing or sail boarding
· No water contact for animals
· Precautions against contact with water while boating or fishing
Drinking water from public water systems or private wells in the areas around the lake is unaffected by the lake water and remains safe to drink.
Eating fish out of the lake is considered safe as long as organs like liver and kidney, the organs where toxins can build up, are carefully removed and not consumed.
Algal blooms may be caused by a combination of factors including temperature and the presence of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers and waste from humans, animals, and agriculture.
Cowlitz County Health Department is unaware of other potential blue-green algal blooms in the county. The public is urged to watch for conditions of blue-green algal blooms and to report them at (360) 414-5583. Conditions may include:
· Water that looks like thick pea soup or green paint
· A thick mat or foam on the beach
· An unpleasant odor
· Extremely small organisms that are hard to pick up and hold, unlike more common but harmless green algae, which has long, bright green strands.
· Dead fish, waterfowl, or other animals
More information on algae can be found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae.
Signs posted by Cowlitz County Health Department warn the public to avoid direct contact with water remain at Silver Lake. The presence of blue-green algae was confirmed late last week by the Washington Department of Ecology. Tests for toxins produced by blue-green algae including microcystin and anatoxin take approximately five days and are still pending.
“The posted signs are intended to inform the public of the possible risks associated with exposure to lake water,” explained Deputy Health Officer Jennifer Vines, “the decision to swim in the lake is up to the individual.” The caution signs represent the first of three levels of warning with respect health threats associated with blue-green algae presence in lakes.
The Washington Department of Health has investigated reports of four illnesses and one report of illness in a dog, all associated with Silver Lake exposure, and considers them suspicious for microcystin toxicity. The Department of Health is looking into sending blood samples from one of the individuals to the Centers for Disease Control for microcystin testing and confirmation.
Investigation by Cowlitz County environmental health specialists this week along with reports from citizens who live near the lake confirm that the water is visibly clearer. “Fortunately we have not received any more reports of illness potentially related to lake exposure,” Vines said. “The problem is,” she continued, “algae are more likely to release toxins into the water as they die off.”
Scientists do not know exactly when or why blue-green algae release toxins. Cowlitz County Health Department will remove the cautionary signs once testing shows levels of algae below the accepted safety threshold of the World Health Organization. The Health Department will visit the lake twice weekly for visual inspection and water sampling. If toxin level testing shows unsafe levels, the Health Department will post new signs with a stronger warning to the public and, if toxin levels are dangerously high, may prohibit swimming in the lake.
Because exposure to blue-green algae can cause disease, public health officials continue to recommend:
· No swimming or wading
· No wind surfing or sail boarding
· No water contact for animals
· Precautions against contact with water while boating or fishing
Drinking water from public water systems or private wells in the areas around the lake is unaffected by the lake water and remains safe to drink.
Eating fish out of the lake is considered safe as long as organs like liver and kidney, the organs where toxins can build up, are carefully removed and not consumed.
Algal blooms may be caused by a combination of factors including temperature and the presence of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers and waste from humans, animals, and agriculture.
Cowlitz County Health Department is unaware of other potential blue-green algal blooms in the county. The public is urged to watch for conditions of blue-green algal blooms and to report them at (360) 414-5583. Conditions may include:
· Water that looks like thick pea soup or green paint
· A thick mat or foam on the beach
· An unpleasant odor
· Extremely small organisms that are hard to pick up and hold, unlike more common but harmless green algae, which has long, bright green strands.
· Dead fish, waterfowl, or other animals
More information on algae can be found at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/algae.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Algae Bloom on Silver Lake
A large scale algae bloom is growing on Silver Lake. A news release from the Cowlitz County Health Department advises people to avoid swimming in the lake due to toxic cyanobacteria. The Health Department release can been seen here and a Daily News article can be seen here. This health warning will remain in effect until water test show that the toxin levels no longer exceed Washington State guidelines.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Kalama Water Restrictions
TO ALL KALAMA RESIDENTS
PLEASE SUSPEND ALL YARD WATERING, CAR WASHING AND OTHER NON-ESSENTIAL WATER USAGE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Due to the prolonged dry, hot weather, Kalama water usage is exceeding the ability to keep the two million gallon reservoir filled. Normally the City keeps the reservoir level at thirty to thirty-four (30-34) feet.
Today the reservoir level is at twenty-five (25) feet and dropping, even though it is pumping at capacity 24 hours a day.
The weather forecast is for continued hot temperatures.
WE ALSO REQUEST THAT YOU REDUCE NON-ESSENTIAL LAUNDRY AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD WATER USAGE.
Kalama Public Works can be reached at 360-673-4554 or 360-673-3706 for questions. Thank you for your cooperation to avoid a complete water outage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)