State Agencies Issue Recommendations to New Mexicans Visiting State Waters Containing Blue-Green Algae
SANTA FE - New Mexico State Parks, a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) are advising visitors who swim in any New Mexico body of water to be aware of possible health risks associated with exposure to blue-green algae - a naturally occurring organism in lakes that can produce toxins but is short lived.
State Parks issued a statewide news release on September 15, 2007, advising visitors to Elephant Butte Lake State Park to keep pets out of the water following the death of a dog. The animal died after swimming in a cove at the lake which tested positive for blue-green algae. The cause of the dog’s death is undetermined.
As a precaution, State Parks has now posted notices at all 19 state park lakes about the presence of blue-green algae.
“All state parks are open and provide excellent recreation,” said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “Protecting health and safety first and foremost is a top priority, which is why we are providing these recommendations.”
“Blue green algae occurs naturally in lakes throughout the state and rarely produces blooms with the toxic characteristics that may have occurred at Elephant Butte recently,” said New Mexico Environment Secretary Ron Curry. “Most blue-green algae are safe; however, people should be aware that toxic conditions can exist and should limit their contact with blue-green algae as much as possible.”
Blue-green algae can form anytime, particularly in the summer or early fall when conditions include the presence of warm, shallow, nutrient rich water that receives a lot of sunlight. Though not normally toxic, algae can produce toxins which can make humans and animals sick when consumed or contact is made with skin.
Toxic algae blooms are usually localized, sporadic and last a very short amount of time. Algal blooms are often linked to high levels of nitrogen and phosphate, which come from nutrient rich farm runoff, storm water runoff and treated waste water. Algae might be present in water that is visibly dis¬colored and can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red.
Ingestion of, or exposure to, the toxins can result in a rash, hives, or skin blisters in humans. Other symptoms can include runny eyes and nose, dizziness and severe abdominal pain; sore throat, tingling of the lips or extremities, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reaction; acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhea and vomiting, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity or neurotoxicity. Symptoms may take minutes to days after exposure to show up in people or animals.
To guard against exposure, the DOH advises the following:
• When boating, water skiing or swimming, don’t come in contact with water that is discolored or where excessive foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water are visible
• Avoid swimming in areas with large quantities of algae
• Shower or rinse off with clean water after swimming and prior to food preparation and eating
• Rinse pets off with clean water instead of allowing pets to groom themselves
• Bring clean water for pets and keep them away from the lake
• Never drink untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present
• Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur after possible exposure
For more information, call State Parks at (505) 827-1473; NMED at (505) 827-0314 or DOH at (505) 827-0006.
The mission of the New Mexico State Parks Division is to protect and enhance natural resources, provide recreational facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety and education to benefit and enrich the lives of our visitors.
The New Mexico Environment Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality of life throughout the state by promoting a safe, clean, and productive environment.
The mission of the New Mexico Department of Health is to promote health and sound health policy, prevent disease and disability, improve health services systems and assure that essential public health functions and safety net services are available to New Mexicans.
Source: New Mexico State Parks
To read more about the desert, go to DesertUSA.com.