Toxic algae blooms found in Little Camas Reservoir in Elmore County
ELMORE COUNTY, Idaho (CBS 2) — A health advisory has been issued for Little Camas Reservoir in Elmore County after a nasty toxin-producing bacteria has been found.
The Idaho DEQ is warning everyone to stay out of the reservoir after it tested positive for the bacteria also known as blue-green algae.
The toxins from blue-green algae can make people and pets sick.
Health officials are warning everyone to steer clear and make sure pets don't drink the water.
Algae blooms happen when the heat or nutrients promote an uncontrolled growth of algae. The DEQ says the bigger the bloom, the more likely the bacteria will form.
Currently, 16 advisories are in place throughout Idaho. Health advisories issued by Central District Health and DEQ on July 31, 2019 for Mountain Home Reservoir (Elmore County) and Indian Creek and Blacks Creek Reservoirs (Ada County) remain in effect.
From the CDH:
- When recreating near or in any surface water with a health advisory in effect, take the following precautions.
- Avoid swimming, wading, or other activities. Take extra precautions to ensure children, pets, and livestock are not exposed to the water.
- Do not drink or cook with water containing a bloom. Boiling and filtering the water can increase the risk.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling fish caught in water experiencing a bloom. Cyanotoxins can accumulate in fish and the risk to people is being researched. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption. If people choose to eat fish from this area, filet the fish and remove all of the fat, skin, and organs before cooking.
- Clean with potable water as soon as possible if water contacts skin or pet fur.
