While algae are a natural part of Tahoe’s aquatic ecosystem, algae can become a harmful algal bloom, or HAB, where the water is warm and shallow. It’s important to know how to spot a HAB, where to report your sightings and what to do to keep yourselves, your pets, and others safe, according to a press release from the League to Save Lake Tahoe.
HABs can be mistaken for harmless types of algae that naturally occur in Tahoe and can be found clinging to rocks, washing up on beaches and attached to the bottom of creek and river channels.
HABs may look like thick paint floating on the water or as algal mats in rivers, streams and along the shallow shorelines of lakes. In lakes, HABs usually appear as a mix of intense shades of green in a paint-like sheen on the water’s surface. In rivers, HABs typically look like algal mats that are attached to the channel bottom.
Stay vigilant, report HABs when you see them and follow these healthy water habits.
The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board relies on three tiers of signage to inform the public about HABs. From lowest to highest, they are Caution, Warning and Danger. In addition to Caution, Warning and Danger advisories, there are also Check for Algae and Algal Alert signs.
PET EXPOSURE
Typically, the algae seen in Lake Tahoe is not harmful, yet it is critically important to stay watchful to keep yourself and your pets safe.
Animals will often drink fresh water, eat algal material or lick algal material off their fur after being in the water. Both skin contact and ingestion can cause animals to become sick. These reactions can occur within minutes to days following exposure to cyanotoxins and include symptoms ranging from lethargy and vomiting to rashes and seizures.
If you believe your animal has been exposed to cyanobacteria, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. This fact sheet for veterinarians is a useful resource for recognizing, diagnosing and treating animals for exposure. For additional assistance, contact the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435.
REPORT
If you think you’ve spotted a HAB, share that information with the Water Board for the California side of the Tahoe Basin, and with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection for the Nevada side using the resource links below:
