| Blue-Green Algae Tracker |
Current Posting Status:Gerber Reservoir is De-Posted: January 31st, 2012Environmental factors and field observations at Gerber Reservoir warrant de-posing based on the State of Oregons ’s Recommended Threshold for Recreational Waters for toxic species cell counts. Klamath River Reservoirs are De-Posted: January 27th, 2012Environmental factors and field observations at Iron Gate and Copco Reservoirs warrant de-posing based on the State of California ’s Recommended Threshold for Recreational Waters for toxic species cell counts. Klamath River above I5 Bridge De-Posted: November 28th, 2011The sample results collected November 28th, 2011 from above I 5 Bridge locations are below the State of California ’s Recommended Threshold for Recreational Waters for toxic species cell counts. Klamath River at Brown Bear De-Posted: October 26th, 2011The sample results collected October 19th, 2011 from the Brown Bear location are below the State of California ’s Recommended Threshold for Recreational Waters for toxic species cell counts.Blue-Green Algae Tracker{iframe width=”100%″ height="600" scrolling="yes"}http://klamathinstitute.org/bluegreen/index2.php{/iframe} How to use the TrackerSelect a "Sampling Date" in the pull-down window above. Click on the balloon to see a graph of the cell counts and toxin level for that location. Annual cell count and toxin levels are available under the Graphs tab.
About the TrackerThe Tracker was built to better inform the public and research community regarding river conditions. The Tracker utilizes up-to-date multi-agency data to track the blue-green algae bloom throughout the Klamath Basin. Having trouble? The tracker doesn't work well on older versions of Explorer. Try this LINK.Blue-Green AlgaeIn the Klamath Basin blue-green algae blooms typically occur between June and October when temperatures rise and water conditions are favorable for algal growth. In an effort to protect public health, blue-green algae monitoring typically occurs May - November. If river conditions exceed public health standards for toxic algae the area is posted with a health advisory sign. The Blue-Green Algae Tracker (below) identifies blue-green algae monitoring results by location: "green" balloon = below public health threshold; "red" balloon = above public health threshold. *Posting Guidelines - Updated July 2010 - Report (pdf)The California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), California's Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), and Oregon Department of Health Services (ODHS) provide guidelines for posting advisories in recreation waters. These guidelines were developed using information provided in World Health Organization. Both SWRCB and ODHS recommend posting advisories in recreation waters under four circumstances: (1) if "scum is present associated with toxigenic species"; (2) if scum is not present, but the density of Microcystis or Planktothrix is 40,000 cells/ml or greater; (3) if scum is not present, but the density of all potentially toxigenic BGA is 100,000 cells/ml or greater; and (4) If the concentration of total microcystin is greater or equal to 8 ppb or if anatoxin-a is detected. Posting Removal Guidelines - Updated July 2010This general approach may be useful in determining when to lift warning advisories: • If posting occurred due to visible scum – wait two weeks (there should be no visible scum recurrence during this time) before lifting the advisory. • If posting occurred due to exceeding a cell count guideline – wait two weeks after cell count falls below the recommended guideline (there should be no visible scum recurrence during this time) before lifting the advisory. • If posting occurred due to exceeding a toxin concentration guideline – wait 1 week after the toxin concentration falls below the recommended guideline (there should be no visible scum recurrence during this time) before lifting the advisory. About Blue-Green AlgaeBlue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are a form of bacteria. Surface scums of blue-green algae are common in the summer months within reservoirs and along the Klamath River. Exposure to blue-green algae can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, and other effects. At high levels, exposure can result in serious illness or death. Small children and dogs are particularly susceptible due to their small body size and their potential to ingest water while recreating.In an effort to better inform the public and tribal communities regarding the current locations and toxicity levels of blue-green algae blooms, members of the Klamath Basin Monitoring Program have developed the "Blue-green Algae Tracker" providing direct access to the most up-to-date monitoring data from the current monitoring season. The "Blue-green Algae Tracker" will eventually include historic data dating back to 2005. For a more detailed analysis of previous sampling seasons, please refer to the following document: Blue-green Algae Monitoring
Click on map to enlarge. The Statewide Guidance on Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following:• Avoid wading and swimming in water containing visible blooms or water containing algal scums or mats, which
Press Releases - 2011August 17th, 2011 - North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board - Press Release August 23rd, 2011 - Oregon Public Health Divison - Press Release |
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Klamath Basin Water Quality Monitoring Plan (Adopted 4/27/10 - Large file) Draft Communication Plan (Updated Draft 6/17/10) Membership Agreement Form & Gradients of Agreement Klamath Basin Monitoring Program Organization Structure QAPrP Draft (Approved March 1, 2011) PresentationsKlamath Falls Meeting Feb. 9, 2011 Upper Klamath Work Group - Research Presentations Klamath Basin Monitoring Program - Research Presentations |
