Potential harmful algal blooms in Folsom Lake

California State Parks announced Aug. 30 the department has recently become aware of suspected incidents of harmful algal blooms (HABs) within both the Folsom Lake State Recreation Areas and Auburn. As California confronts the realities of climate change, HABs have become increasingly common in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and they can especially be dangerous to children and pets. State Parks is encouraging all recreational users of all bodies of fresh water in Folsom Lake and Auburn to be aware of the potential for cyanobacteria and HABs. In recent weeks, two separate incidents of possible cyanobacteria poisoning in dogs have been reported at Moony Ridge, in Folsom Lake, and Oregon Bar in Auburn. The Oregon Bar incident resulted in the death of the dog, although the actual cause of death has not been confirmed, according to State Parks. Sampling by the Water Resources Control Board staff on Aug. 23 confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria mats growing on rocks in a side channel of the American River at Oregon Bar. Caution signs have been posted in these areas and additional signage has been posted throughout the parks to increase public awareness of potential risks. According to State Parks, algal blooms can form and die off fairly rapidly, and it is difficult to continuously test and monitor the many lakes and miles of local rivers. El Dorado Hills resident Kathy Lynn frequents the trails around Folsom Lake with her 2-and-a-half-year-old Rottweiler, Zoey. While she hasn't been to the reported areas of HABs, she still expressed concern. "I'm very careful about letting Zoey in the water," she said. "I'm not taking her in any water right now because of this reason. If I do, I check out the water first." Lynn uses state park trails such as Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park, Falcons Crest Trail, as well as around Brown's Ravine. "I know this is not a new phenomenon; it's been around for a while. I'm always looking out for snakes, wildlife and poison oak, and now the water is just another thing I'll be looking out for," she said. "I want to keep my dog healthy. Be careful and be aware." According to State Parks, most aquatic ecosystems in California contain harmless green algae, and many cyanobacteria do not affect animals or people. However, it's important to stay safe and avoid contact with cyanobacteria altogether, as some cyanobacteria species are capable of producing toxins that can be harmful to animals and humans. Dogs and children are most likely to be affected because of their smaller body size and tendency to inadvertently ingest the water or algal material. People exposed to toxins may experience irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat or respiratory system, according to State Parks. Symptoms of animal illness include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abnormal liver function test results, difficulty breathing, foaming at the mouth, muscle twitching and sometimes death. More information about health impacts for domestic animals and livestock can be found on the HABs Portal Domestic Animals website at mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/resources/domestic_animals.html. Cyanobacteria can be present in fresh, estuarine or marine waters. HABs can be a variety of colors such as green, white, red or brown, and may look like thick paint floating on the water. Not all HABs will appear on the water's surface. Some form mats at the bottom of a water body, as seen at Oregon Bar, and other float at various depths. To report a bloom, do one of the following: fill out the Bloom Report form on the HABs Portal at mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/do/bloomreport.html; email CyanoHAB.reports@waterboards.ca.gov; call the HABs hotline at 844-729-6466 (toll free); or contact your County Public Health Office.