The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is urging individuals who boat, fish or swim in the Russian River to exercise caution because potentially toxic algal mats recently were found in the water.
Children and dogs are particularly susceptible to serious health impacts and should avoid touching any suspicious-looking algal material in the water or along river banks.
Testing confirmed that potentially toxic algal mats are growing on the bottom of the Russian River. While the harmful blooms are caused by algal or cyanobacteria that grow floating in the water, some algae or cyanobacteria grow on the bottom of waterways and can form colorful algal mats that range from bright to dull green, orange, brown and maroon. These mats also may detach and become stranded on banks.
If algal mats are observed, children, dogs and adults are advised to avoid touching or inadvertently ingesting the material. Dogs that have been exposed to the toxic material should be washed immediately.
Sonoma County is posting “Toxic Algae Alert” signage at recreational areas based on statewide guidance. The county and the Water Board will provide regular updates on the California HAB Reports Web Map and inform the community when the postings have been removed.
The Water Boards recommend that people practice these healthy water habits while enjoying the outdoors this summer at your local lake, river or stream:
- Heed all instructions on posted advisories if present.
- Avoid algae and scum in the water and on the shore.
- Keep an eye on children and pets.
- If you think a harmful algal bloom or toxic algal mats are present, do not let pets and other animals go into or drink the water or eat scum/algal mats on the shore.
- Don’t drink the water or use it for cooking.
- Wash yourself, your family and your pets with clean water after water play.
- If you catch fish, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking.
- Avoid eating shellfish if you think a harmful algal bloom is present.
Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet or livestock have gotten sick after going in the water or incidentally ingesting the mat material. Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with cyanobacteria. Also, make sure to contact the local county public health department.
To report a bloom, do one of the following:
- Fill out the Bloom Report form on the portal
- Email: CyanoHAB.reports@waterboards.ca.gov
- Call the HABs hotline: 1-844-729-6466 (toll free)
- Contact your County Public Health Office
For more information about HABs, please visit:
California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal
Sonoma County Environmental Health & Safety: Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
California Department of Public Health Resource Page
