Cyanobacteria found in Salton Sea

The Imperial County Public Health Department announced Friday t hat cyanotoxins were found in the Salton Sea.

In recent months, low levels of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, were detected blooming along the northern shore of the Salton Sea in Riverside County. Water testing conducted by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board have confirmed the presence of three cyanotoxins: Anatoxin-a, Saxitoxin and Microcystin at the Desert Shores Harbor of the Salton Sea.

Dr. Stephen Munday, Imperial County Health Officer, stated, “Due to the levels recently detected of cyanobacteria in the Salton Sea, it is important that the community is informed so that individuals know to limit exposure to themselves and their pets.” The public is being informed by the posting of signage in the area around the Salton Sea in addition to other forms of communication such as social media and traditional media. County officials will be posting temporary signage in the Salton Sea until permanent signage is available.

The signage will be placed in strategic areas of the Salton Sea where the public is most likely to enter the water. Although the water from the Salton Sea is not used as a drinking water supply, individuals do visit the area for recreation. Even though the testing was limited to the Desert Shores Harbor area, cyanobacteria may be present in other areas of the Salton Sea due to the changes in wind patterns and movement in the water. It is important to note that concentrated cyanobacteria are present in algae blooms, which can have an impact on an individual’s health.

Algae bloom can appear as cut grass in the water or blue-green, white or brown foam, scum or mats that can float on the water’s surface and accumulate along the shoreline and boat ramp area. Algae blooms and cyanobacteria are a common occurrence in lakes and can be caused by a combination of factors including nutrients, temperature, sunlight, and water chemistry. Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold and flu-like symptoms. Pets can be especially susceptible because they tend to drink while in the water and lick their fur after. In the event that algae blooms are detected in the Salton Sea, communication efforts will be augmented to increase community awareness of its presence.

The Statewide Guidance on Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following for waters impacted by blue-green algae:

Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water, swim through algae, scums or mats, or lick their fur after going in the water. Avoid recreational activities in water containing algae blooms or scums or mats. Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated surface water from these areas; common water purification techniques do not remove toxins. People should not eat mussels or other bivalves collected from these areas. Seek medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins and alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue-green algae.

For more information, please visit:

California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal: http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/

California Department of Public Health:

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/Bluegreenalgae.aspx