Department of Water Resources
California Water News
A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
August 20, 2009
4. Water Quality –
Toxic Algae Blooms Return to Klamath River;
Water Quality Agencies Warn Against Recreational Contact with River
YubaNet.com
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Toxic Algae Blooms Return to Klamath River;
Water Quality Agencies Warn Against Recreational Contact with River
YubaNet.com – 8/19/09
By Karuk Tribe
Today, the Klamath Blue Green Algae Working Group, chaired by US EPA, posted the Klamath River from Iron Gate Dam to the town of Happy Camp, nearly 90 miles downstream, with warnings against recreational contact with the water due to the dangers associated with blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa. The postings are based on observation of algal scums and laboratory analyses of water samples from the river.
Since 2001, water quality officials have observed blooms of the toxic blue green algae Microcystis aeruginosa in Iron Gate and Copco reservoirs as well as the Klamath River downstream. Microcystis aeruginosa produces the toxin microcystin which is known to cause liver failure and promote tumor growth. In high doses microcystin exposure can lead to organ failure and death. Although to date no known deaths can be attributed to blooms in the Klamath, health officials consider toxin levels a threat to human health.
Children and pets are most susceptible to the toxin because of their likelihood of ingesting river water during play. Activities such as swimming and water skiing are the most dangerous because there is the greatest chance of swallowing the algal toxin.
Fishing is considered a low-risk activity. However, it is hazardous to stand in algal-filled waters for long periods, especially in waterlogged boots or waders. If the algae enters boots or waders, sloshing around can break open live cells exposing the toxin to bare skin.
There are no warnings against the consumption of fish from the Klamath River; however it is recommended that no fish organs be consumed and that all fillets are rinsed with drinking water.
The blooms occur in the summer as the shallow, nutrient rich water trapped behind dams heats up and provides an optimal environment for the algae to bloom. Blooms spread down river and are concentrated in eddies and slow moving water; however the toxin can be present in all parts of the river.
“The annual blooms of toxic algae are just one of the many reasons the Klamath dams should be removed,” according to Craig Tucker, Klamath Coordinator for the Karuk Tribe. Tucker adds, “talks aimed at resolving the fate of the dams are making steady progress and we are working collaboratively with PacifiCorp, Upper Basin Irrigators, and other Basin stakeholders on a restoration agreement that can benefit all of our interests.” #
http://yubanet.com/california/Toxic-Algae-Blooms-Return-to-Klamath-River.php
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