Russian River Recreational Users Warned Of Harmful Algal Blooms

SONOMA COUNTY, CA ? The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board this week urged people who boat, fish and or swim in the Russian River to exercise caution because potentially toxic algal mats recently were found in the water.

Testing confirmed that potentially toxic algal mats are growing on the bottom of the Russian River. While the harmful blooms are caused by algal or cyanobacteria that grow floating in the water, some algae or cyanobacteria grow on the bottom of waterways and can form colorful algal mats that range from bright to dull green, orange, brown and maroon. These mats also may detach and become stranded on banks.

Sonoma County is posting ?Toxic Algae Alert? signage at recreational areas based on statewide guidance. As of Tuesday, advisory signs were posted at the following Russian River recreational areas:

• Cloverdale River Park Beach
• Camp Rose Beach
• Del Rio Woods Beach
• Healdsburg Veterans Beach
• Steelhead Beach
• Forestville Access Beach
• Sunset Beach
• Johnson's Beach
• Monte Rio Beach
• Patterson Point

The county and the Water Board will provide regular updates on the California HAB Reports Web Map and inform the community when the postings have been removed.

Children and dogs are particularly susceptible to serious health impacts and should avoid touching any suspicious-looking algal material in the water or along river banks, the Water Board said in a news release. If algal mats are observed, children, dogs and adults are advised to avoid touching or inadvertently ingesting the material. Dogs that have been exposed to the toxic material should be washed immediately.

The Water Boards recommend that people practice these healthy water habits while enjoying the outdoors this summer at local lakes, rivers and streams:

• Heed all instructions on posted advisories if present
• 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
• Don?t 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

"Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock has gotten sick after going in the water or incidentally ingesting the mat material," the Water Board said. "Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with cyanobacteria. Also, make sure to contact the local county public health department."

More information is available at Mywaterquality.ca.gov.