Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) warning for river and lake visitors

MENDOCINO CO., 7/22/17 — High levels of cyanobacteria — also known as “blue-green algae” — are being detected in parts of the Eel River and other regional rivers and lakes, according to a warning from public health agencies in Humboldt, Mendocino, and Lake Counties issues this week. Prolonged contact with the bacteria can be harmful to children, dogs, and some other animals. The bacteria often grows in late summer due to high temperatures and low stream flows and can be particularly bad in shallow parts of lakes and rivers.

Anyone planning to visit local rivers, streams, and lakes should keep an eye out for signs of cyanobacteria, which often appears as “dark green, blue-green, black, orange or brown scum, foam or mats on the riverbed or floating on the water,” according to the announcement. Cyanobacteria has been previously found along the Eel River, especially in locations along the South Fork Eel River, as well as in the Van Duzen River, Trinity River, Clear Lake, and Lake Pillsbury.