Avoid Brownlee and Hells Canyon reservoirs as toxic algae blooms
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare issued a health advisory for Brownlee and Hells Canyon reservoirs Monday, urging people to avoid all contact with the water due to harmful cyanobacteria algal blooms.
Recent samples taken from the Brownlee and Hells Canyon reservoirs showed high amounts of these toxin-producing cyanobacteria, which can be harmful to people, pets and livestock, according to a press release from the department.
“Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s water bodies. When temperatures rise, their populations can bloom and toxic chemical compounds, or cyanotoxins, can be released into the water,” the department stated.
The department urges people, especially children, to avoid swimming, wading and any other contact with the water.
Exposure to droplets of the water for people can cause a rash, hives, red eyes, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Swallowing the water can cause stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle weakness and dizziness.
Furthermore, do not drink or cook with the water, the department advises. Even boiling or filtering the water will not remove the toxins from the water and can even increase the risk of sickness, the release stated.
Cyanotoxins can build up in fish in contaminated water, too. The department recommends cleaning and washing fish thoroughly in clean water, filleting the fish and removing all fat, skin and internal organs before cooking.
The department also warns against pets and livestock drinking or going into the water. If pets or livestock have contact with the water, clean the animal with clean water right away and keep them from licking their body, the department advises.
According to the release, pets, livestock and wildlife can get sick or die, within minutes to days after cyanotoxin exposure.
The department said looking out for blooms is important. Blooms don’t all look the same and can take the form of mats, foam, spilled paint or surface scum. It will also typically have a foul odor.
The department encourages anyone who thinks they might be sick from cyanotoxin to consult their health care provider or call the poison center at (800) 222-1222 and notify algae@deq.idaho.gov.
