Alcova Reservoir (Wyoming DEQ)
CASPER, Wyoming – The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality received a report on June 28 of a potentially harmful algal bloom near Cottonwood Campground at Alcova Reservoir.
DEQ reports on Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Advisories that Natrona County Parks and the Wyoming DEQ surveyed the area on July 1, “and found no evidence of surface cyanobacterial bloom.”
The reported bloom is now listed under the Investigation Complete tab on the advisory website, which means that there is no bloom or toxin recommendation in effect in the Alcova Reservoir.
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The potential bloom was originally listed under the Current Toxin Advisories tab, but this appears to have been a bug. Potential flowering has been moved to the Under Investigation tab until Wednesday June 30th.
The Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Advisories website has several categories for blooms or suspected blooms:
- Current Bloom Advisory: “A Bloom Advisory is issued for a body of water if cyanobacteria blooms are present.”
- Current toxin notice: “A toxin notice is issued for a body of water if the toxin concentrations exceed recreational limit values. Blossoms and toxins can only be present in certain areas of the body of water and conditions can change frequently. “
- Under investigation: Refers to possible blooms that have been reported but not yet confirmed by officials.
- Investigation Completed: Refers to cases where possible blooms have been reported and an official investigation into the matter has been completed.
Harmful cyanobacterial flower warnings are issued by the Wyoming Department of Health when flowers are confirmed. The flowers can cause health problems in both humans and animals.
Harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs) are “dense concentrations of cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae, that pose a health risk to humans, pets, and farm animals,” says Wyoming DEQ. “DEQ is working with the Wyoming Department of Health, the Wyoming Livestock Board, and other stakeholders to combat HCBs in Wyoming’s surface waters.”
Two more potential blooms were reported this summer, but both investigations have also been completed.
A potential bloom was reported in Kendall Warm Springs on June 17, but the United States Forest Service examined this report on June 18 and found no evidence of cyanobacteria.
Another potential bloom was reported at Flaming Gorge’s Buckboard Marina on June 11, but the United States Forest Service examined this report on June 17 and again found no cyanobacteria.
The Wyoming DEQ provides the following information about harmful algal blooms:
The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) provides guidance when cyanobacterial cell densities or cyanotoxin concentrations pose a risk to people who swim or engage in similar water-exposed activities in areas with cyanobacteria bloom.
The level of advice increases with an increased risk to human health. WDH issues a Bloom Advisory for bodies of water when cyanobacterial blooms are present and toxins may be present. WDH issues toxin advice for water bodies when toxins exceed the recovery threshold. Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin thresholds are described in the Wyoming HCB Response Strategy and Action Plan.
Because harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HCB) levels can change rapidly or migrate from one area of a reservoir to another, WDH will issue a recommendation for an entire reservoir unless otherwise stated. A notice for a lake or reservoir should not be interpreted as a closure as many areas of the body of water may not be affected by an HCB. It is important to note that counseling thresholds for pets or farm animals may not be appropriate.
Questions about general health risks and symptoms related to cyanobacterial blooms can be directed to Dr. Courtney Tillman, Surveillance Epidemiologist, at 307-777-5822.
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