Panhandle Health District

                                                                            8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

                     www.phd1.idaho.gov

September 16, 2008

Contact:

For environmental/water quality questions:                  For human health questions:

Kajsa Stromberg                                                                    Dick Martindale

Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality                                      Panhandle Health District

(208) 769-1422                                                                     (208) 415-5212

                                                                           Algae Blooms Present Potential Health Problems

Coeur d’Alene—Panhandle Health District and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) advise the public to avoid drinking or swimming in lake water where blue-green algae blooms are visible. Blue-green algae are naturally-occurring bacteria. Under certain conditions, some types can release toxins into the water that are harmful to people, pets and livestock. The blooms are generally green and may form thick mats along shorelines. These may look like a surface scum or pea-soup.

              Blue-green algae blooms recently were observed in Hauser Lake, Fernan Lake and Lake Cocolalla. In this region, blooms historically appear in late summer and dissipate in mid to late fall. Blooms will dissipate and water quality will improve with cooler temperatures.

              According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who swallow water with high concentrations of blue-green algae may experience gastroenteritis, skin irritation, allergic responses or liver damage. Symptoms in humans are rare; anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention. Boiling or filtering the water will not remove blue-green algae toxins.

Pets and livestock are vulnerable to blue-green algae and should stay out of water where blooms are visible. Pets and livestock can be exposed to blue-green algae through drinking, swimming or self-grooming, and a reaction to blue-green algae may require immediate veterinary care.

              Blue-green algae blooms occur in waters with high levels of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.  These pollutants are generally associated with human activities. DEQ is working with partners and landowners to implement a variety of nutrient reduction projects that can improve water quality and prevent future blooms of blue-green algae. For example, the Hauser Lake Watershed Coalition adopted the Lake-A-Syst program this summer to provide lakeside landowners with information and tools to reduce nutrient inputs from their properties.