Toxic Algae Bloom

[leahcim_dahc]

Found this article while surfing the interweb this morning...looks like a few lakes to cross off my list to visit for a while. Too bad.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/loca ... 76383.html


Chad

[VooDuuChild]

Yeah, got that up in these here parts too; go ahead and add Lake Cassidy to that list. I still fished it, got nuttin. Now I have to change out my line on my trollin pole too cuz that stuff is all over my line on the spool. Don't wanna spread that nasty stuff to my other lakes.

[leahcim_dahc]

Nah...wouldn't want to spread it, either. From the reading I have done...make sure you wash your hands if your handling anything contaminated by it. I didn't know much about it, was reading up on a couple types and the blue-green can kill animals if ingested, also can cause problems in humans neurologically and in the liver. My guess that is a worse case scenario, though. Supposedly doesn't cause much harm to fish unless it is at super high levels...or the golden algae, or whatever other type it is.


Chad

[Marc Martyn]

The article says that it exists, but doesn't say what they think is causing it. Could it be too high of a nitrogen level?

[leahcim_dahc]

From the reading I have done...that is the most likely cause. I am no biologist...so that could be taken with a grain of salt.

My simple arithmetic:

Ohop, Tanwax, & Steilacoom lakes + Toxic Algae Bloom / many residences surrounding lakes X high nitrogen levels = pooh in the water

I don't think I'll be eating any fish out of those lakes...bleck!!


No warranty expressed or implied...mileage may vary,
Chad

[Marc Martyn]

I am not familiar with the above lakes mentioned, being from the eastside. However, if there is a high concentration of homes around the lake, it is possible that lawn fertilizers are leeching into the water. At least that is one of the theories I have heard for other locations. That 28-5-5 fertilizer people put on there lawns has got to go somewhere.
West Medical near Spokane, has a bad algae bloom also. It may not be toxic though. It's problem started with the sewage treatment facility (which has been closed for several years) on the state hospital ground. The surrounding area has a lot of farm land that drains into the lake. I feel that fertilizers are making it worse each year.

[leahcim_dahc]

However, if there is a high concentration of homes around the lake, it is possible that lawn fertilizers are leeching into the water.

Seems that is one of the biggest culprits...along with sewage whether human or otherwise.

I feel that fertilizers are making it worse each year.

++

Below are a couple links with some more information.
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/Waterres/lak ... cAlgae.htm
http://www.tpchd.org/page.php?id=148

What Can I Do About It?

Algae blooms are likely to occur during sunny, calm weather when high concentrations of nutrients are present in the water. People can have a big effect on the amount of nutrients in a lake. Two important nutrients algae require are phosphorous and nitrogen. These are found in animal and human waste (sewage) and in fertilizers. Excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus may lead to "nutrient loading" and eventually to an algae bloom. To help decrease nutrient loading:

1. Maintain or restore native plants around lake shorelines and streams that feed the lake. Native wetland plants help filter water and don't require pesticides or fertilizers for maintenance.

2. Be extremely cautious with lawn and plant fertilizers and pesticides. Don't over-water, over-fertilize, or use more than the recommended amount of pesticides.

3. Improperly operating or damaged septic systems are a major cause of nutrient loading into nearby water. Proper care and maintenance of your septic system are essential. For information on how to maintain your septic system please call the health department at 253-798-6470.

4. Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas. Do not allow livestock to drink or defecate in streams or lakes. Don't feed waterfowl.

5. Take steps to prevent erosion around construction and logging operations. Erosion can carry nutrient-rich soil into nearby lake

Chad

[Marc Martyn]

It is also believed that a lake with a high concentration of water fowl will be at a higher risk also. Medical Lake in Four Lakes has a large population of geese. The lakeside park is covered with goose droppings.

[leahcim_dahc]

Very well could be...makes me wonder how many it would take to make an impact like that on a body of water. One thing for sure...where there's water, there's sure to be the fowl. Especially geese...man I've never seen so many geese in my life. I remember when I was young and lived in SW Kansas, we'd see geese once in a while...but up here, they're everywhere I look!


Chad

[Rthr_B_Fishn]

Im no biomedophsycothinkologist either but when you put the blame on "gooses" arent u missing the piont that birds have been poopin in the water for far longer then the humans? i mean yea loads of gooses aree everywhere but come on... lets be serious.. water fowl eat "mostly" things from the water... umm so wouldnt it be some "other cause" like human mess ups ooopppss.. im just sayin.. maybe i need to know what the molecular makup of pooo really is.. but if u are what u eat .. never mind yall get my drift!

[leahcim_dahc]

Im no biomedophsycothinkologist either but when you put the blame on "gooses" arent u missing the piont that birds have been poopin in the water for far longer then the humans?

I don't think anyone is directly blaming geese droppings in the water, just a possible contributing factor. That coupled with excessive fertilizer usage, runoff from livestock, etc., etc.. Causes of high nitrogen and phosphorus levels...

mean yea loads of gooses aree everywhere but come on... lets be serious.. water fowl eat "mostly" things from the water

Sure they eat things from the water...also elsewhere, but that's besides the point. It's not about what they eat...but what and how much comes out the other end.

umm so wouldnt it be some "other cause" like human mess ups ooopppss..

Kinda like excessive fertilizer and pesticide usage...improperly operating or damaged septic systems...runoff from agricultural and livestock areas...notice the pattern? It's almost like I have read something about that somewhere before...

maybe i need to know what the molecular makup of pooo really is

I'd be willing to put some money on nitrogen and phosphorus...along with various assorted other items.

I really didn't feel like googling manure all night to gather information...but the linky below should get you started. Enjoy!

Everything you ever wanted to know about poop, but were afraid to ask.


Chad

[EastsideRedneck]

Just look for the new or perfectly manicured yards on the waterfront and I am sure you can go from there... On Beaver lake I have found a few decent sized algae blooms near some yards that are just a little too perfect.

[A9]

Just look for the new or perfectly manicured yards on the waterfront and I am sure you can go from there... On Beaver lake I have found a few decent sized algae blooms near some yards that are just a little too perfect.

That's funny. When fertilizer gets into waterways, it can be way more potent in lakes then it can be for a lawn. All that nitrogen and phosphorus can put together a big algae bloom...