Viva Naughton Reservoir (Wyoming DEQ)
CASPER, Wyoming – 17 harmful cyanobacteria bloom (HCB) warnings will be in effect across Wyoming as of Monday, August 23.
Harmful bloom warnings apply in the following Wyoming waters:
- Leazenby Lake (Hundred Springs Reservoir)
- West Granite Springs Reservoir
- Pathfinder Reservoir
- Saratoga reservoir
- Big Sandy Reservoir
- Eden reservoir
- Woodruff Narrows Reservoir
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir – Buckboard Marina
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir – fire hole
- Boysen reservoir – bathing beach
- Boysen Reservoir – Tough Creek Campground
- Keyhole Reservoir
- Buffalo Bill Reservoir – Bartlett Beach
- Fontenelle reservoir
- Viva Naughton Reservoir
- Wheatland Reservoir # 3
- Buffalo Bill Reservoir – Lake Shore Campground
In addition to the above-mentioned waters, four are examined for possible harmful algal blooms. Recreational use recommendations for these water bodies are not in effect until the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality research:
- Buffalo Bill Reservoir
- Brooks Lake
- Pelham Lake
- Upper Jade Lake
Cyanobacterial blooms, also known as blue algae blooms, can produce toxins and irritants that can cause health problems in humans, pets, and farm animals, according to Wyoming DEQ. Health effects can be:
- Rashes
- itching
- deafness
- fatigue
- Disorientation
- stomach pain
- Vomit
- diarrhea
In addition, “in extreme cases, cyanotoxins can lead to the death of wild animals, domestic animals or farm animals”.
The flowers can also kill fish by depleting the oxygen levels and can also potentially cause water supply issues, according to the Wyoming DEQ. While higher levels of cyanobacteria can cause problems, the Wyoming DEQ notes that under normal conditions they are present in low levels “and play an important role in aquatic ecosystems.”
“When HCBs occur, cyanobacteria can be visibly abundant and can look like clippings, blue-green scum, or spilled paint on the surface of the water,” adds the Wyoming DEQ. “HCBs can also be suspended in the water column or attached to rocks, sediments or plants at the bottom of the water.”
The type of recommendation given for a body of water if higher inflorescences are found depends on how high these values are.
“A Bloom Advisory is issued for a body of water if there are cyanobacterial blooms,” explains the Wyoming DEQ. “A toxin notice is issued for a body of water if the toxin concentrations exceed the recreational thresholds. Blossoms and toxins can only be present in certain areas of the body of water and conditions can change frequently. “
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