Potentially Toxic Algae Found In Sonoma County Rivers

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Authorities urged caution Tuesday for anyone who boats, fishes or swims in multiple Sonoma County rivers after lab results confirmed potentially toxic algae is growing on the bottom of the rivers and may detach and become stranded on river banks.

Tests were conducted when the State Water Resources Control Board and Sonoma County staff responded to recent sightings of the suspected harmful algal blooms — or HABs — in the Russian River, Salmon Creek and Gualala River, according to a joint news release Tuesday from the two agencies.

"Because children and dogs are most susceptible to serious health impacts, it is recommended that they avoid touching any suspicious-looking algal material found in the water or along river banks," county and state officials said in the news release.

Sonoma County has posted “Toxic Algae Alert” signs on Salmon Creek, and “Check For Algae” educational signs on the Russian and Gualala rivers. Photos of the HABs are posted on the signs and are available on the Sonoma County Department of Health Services website.

"While harmful algal blooms are caused by algae or cyanobacteria that grow floating in the water, some grow attached to the bottom surface of waterways and can form algal mats," officials said.

According to the State Water Board, people should:

• Heed all instructions on posted advisories
• Avoid algae and scum in the water and on the shore
• Keep an eye on children and pets
• If you think a harmful algal bloom or toxic algal mats are present, do not let pets and other animals go into or drink the water or eat scum/algal mats on the shore
• Not drink the water or use it for cooking
• Wash yourself, your family and your pets with clean water after water play
• If you catch fish, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking
• Avoid eating shellfish if you think a harmful algal bloom is present

If any person, pet or livestock becomes sick after going in the water, medical treatment should immediately be sought, officials said.

"Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with cyanobacteria. Also, please contact the local county public health department."

Sonoma County and the State Water Board will conduct regular monitoring and provide updates on the California HAB Reports Web Map to inform the community when conditions change.