Possible harmful algal blooms at Alcova are now listed as “under investigation”

By Brendan LaChance on June 30, 2021

Cottonwood Campground of the Alcova Reservoir (screenshot via Google Maps)

CASPER, Wyoming – A potentially harmful algal bloom in Alcova Reservoir is now listed as investigated on Wyoming’s Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Advisories online map.

The bloom was listed under the Current Toxin Advisories tab on Tuesday, but was no longer listed under that tab on Wednesday at 4:27 pm.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality received a report Monday of the potentially harmful algal bloom. It has been reported as being near the Cottonwood Campground in Alcova.

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The Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Advisories website has several categories for blooms or suspected blooms:

  • Current bloom notice: “A bloom notice is issued for a body of water if there are cyanobacteria blooms.”
  • 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 concerns for humans and animals.

Harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs) are “dense concentrations of cyanobacteria, commonly known 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.”

The potential bloom at Alcova is the only bloom currently being studied in Wyoming.

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.

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