Example of blue-green algae bloom. Courtesy/www.epa.govU.S. Army Corps of Engineers News:
ABIQUIU LAKE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, announced today that effective immediately the Cerrito Day-Use Recreation Area, including the boat ramp and the swim beach, are closed after tests showed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom in the reservoir.
The closure will last until levels no longer pose an increased threat to humans and animals.
Closure signs are posted at the lake’s public access points.
The lake is still open for camping but public lake access is restricted until further notice. The downstream Rio Chama Day-Use Area below the dam remains open for public use.
It is advised to avoid all water recreation at the lake, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and water skiing.
Blue-green algae blooms, or cyanobacteria, can cause health risks in humans and pets if ingested, inhaled or touched:
- Skin exposures can give people a rash, hives or skin blisters.
- Breathing in water droplets during activities like water-skiing and swimming can cause runny eyes and nose, a sore throat, asthma-like symptoms or allergic reactions.
- Swallowing water can cause stomach symptoms to occur within hours or days after an exposure, including abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Neurotoxicity symptoms can appear within 15 to 20 minutes after exposure.
In humans, symptoms can include numb lips, tingling fingers and toes, dizziness, and in extremely rare cases death.
In dogs, symptoms can include drooling, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, convulsions and death.
For any health issues experienced after contact with blue-green algae affected water, seek medical advice immediately.
The USACE, Albuquerque District will distribute the latest information at www.spa.usace.army.mil, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AbiquiuLakeUSACE/ and through the local news media as well as the project office at Abiquiu Lake.
