Algae Toxins found in lakes - by Larry Banman and Tonya Bina

High levels of microcystin toxins in Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Reservoir have alarmed public officials and lake-area residents.

Recently measured by Sarah Clements of the Grand County Water Information Network, the levels have exceeded drinking water safety limits set by the World Health Organization.

In testing done on Aug. 6, Clements measured the level of microcystin toxin in Shadow Mountain Reservoir at 1.15 ug/L (micrograms per liter) and in Grand Lake at 1.48 ug/L.

Brene Belew-Ladue, public health nurse for Grand County, provided information on the WHO guidelines, which states that daily consumption of drinking water over 1.00 ug/L may be a serious health threat.

There are no guidelines from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment about microcystin in  water, therefore, the Grand County Board of Health is using guidelines adopted by WHO to protect the health of the public.

The toxin comes from the blooms of blue-green algae. The presence of the toxin isn't unusual, but it usually increases during the summer, and peaks about Sept. 1.

The news is especially of concern to many south shore Grand Lake homeowners who use lake water for domestic use.

Up until longtime shoreline residents the Herringtons received notice about the high levels of toxins, they were using lake water for cooking; but boiling water concentrates the toxin levels in the water and can do more harm.

The family is now forced to purchase bottled water for cooking, drinking and washing dishes. They also are advised to not use water from the tap for bathing, showering and washing clothes if the water has a green tint or strange odor.

Allen Herrington said he not only worries about the health of lake users and the lake itself, but also he is concerned about the detriment such news can have to Grand Lake tourism.

Many shoreline owners are wondering what the Bureau of Reclamation, which is responsible for the nutrient-loaded water-diversion system that transports water to the Front Range, plans to do about it.
"It seems to me the Department of Reclamation, which put in this tunnel system, has some responsibility to maintain the lake's health and clarity," Herrington said.

The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, which moves the water, and the Bureau of Reclamation met Wednesday to share information about the algae bloom and "to discuss a practical long-term solution to algae accumulations in Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake," states a press release. Northern and the Bureau are exploring ways to prevent future large algae blooms, which could mean "changing when water is moved through the projet to the East Slope."

Another meeting is scheduled with Grand County, the U.S. Forest Service and the Greater Grand Lake Shoreline Association to discuss the matter further.

The town of Grand Lake and the Three Lakes Water system have water that goes through a treatment and filtration process and they also use different water sources.

Scott Penson, chief building official with the county, said there are a few lake homes that use lake water for domestic purposes. These homes generally have filtration systems, and he encouraged owners of those homes to make sure their filters are working.

"We need to be first and foremost protective of public health," Underbrink Curran said at the county commissioners meeting. "We will err on the side of caution and keep as many people in the (information) loop as possible."

Microcystin toxin is prevalent in bodies of water in the lake states of the Midwest, where the water is warmer.

The toxic blue-green algae shows up under the right combinations of water temperature, low water depths and nutrient, such as sediment, high nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations from wastewater discharges and runoff from agricultural land and communities, according to a fact sheet provided by the Grand County Public Health Office.

It has an appearance of pea-green colored clumps, scum or streaks along shorelines and has a bad taste and odor. "It can have a thickness similar to motor oil and often looks like thick paint in the water
Levels of microcystin toxin in the water can be a health risk.

Ingesting algae with high levels of microcystin toxin can lead to symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches and severe muscle or joint pain. In severe cases, the ingestion of the toxin can lead to death.

Pets, children and people with liver problems or weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

County health officials say to avoid direct contact with algae and to refrain from boating or waterskiing in it
 
Belew-Ladue advised people to replace their carbon filters and to drink bottled water.

Meanwhile, water testing will continue and updates will be issued by the county every three to four days on the condition of the water until toxin levels decrease to within normal limits, health officials said.

If there are any questions or concerns, people are asked to call the public health office at (970) 725-3288.