Forwarding an e-blast

Lake Conditions Update

Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes.  Some blue-green algae can produce algal toxins that could pose a health risk to people and animals when they are exposed to them in large enough quantities.  Blue-green algae can grow quickly and become very abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface waters that have adequate amounts of sunlight, air/water temperature and nutrients.  When this occurs, they can form blooms that discolor the water or produce floating rafts or scums on the surface of the water.    Water affected by blue-green algae blooms often is so strongly colored that it can develop a paint-like appearance.  The presence of toxins from algae can only be verified through laboratory analysis.  Unpleasant tastes or odors are not reliable indicators of the toxins.

Health effects could occur when the surface scums/waters containing high levels of the blue-green algae toxins are swallowed, come in contact with skin, or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled while swimming, boating waterskiing, tubing, bathing or showering. 

We have been monitoring the lake conditions for possible blue-green algae.  Samples were collected on August 21, 2013.  The results are as follows:

                     Candlewick Lake Beach                            1.5 (ug/L)

                      Candlewick Lake Inlet Cove                      0.4 (ug/L)

                         Candlewick Lake – Dip                             287  (ug/L)

                          Candlewick Lake – Fisherman’s Cove      1032 (ug/L)

The World Health Organization (WHO) have developed Microcystin Recreational Threshold Values for the relative probability of acute health effects during recreational exposure to microcyctins.

                                                Low                                        <10

                                                Moderate                           10 – 20

                                                High                                       20 – 2,000

                                                Very High                            >2,000

When levels are over 10 uf/L, you should avoid all contact with the water containing the algae.  Keep pets and children away from the water. Do not allow pets in the algae-contaminated water because they will also drink the water and consume algae on their fur by licking themselves after leaving the water.

Eating fish caught from affected waters is an unknown health risk.  Scientific studies in this area are incomplete.

Currently swimming is prohibited in all bays including the Dip, Firefly Bay, Fisherman’s Cove, Castaway Park, and Inlet Cove.

Continue to monitor the conditions of the lake as they are continually changing due to the weather and wave action.  Avoid contact with water that is discolored or has scum on the surface.

The use of the lake for recreational activities is always at your own risk.