HAB alerts reduced, but officials say algal blooms still possible at Nevada lakes

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — The alert level at Lahontan Reservoir was reduced on Thursday, moving from a HAB Danger down to HAB warning.

Harmful Algal Blooms have been noted at 11 lakes and reservoirs in Nevada this year. As cooler fall temperatures arrive, conditions that often produce HABs are on the decline. Several alert levels on the state’s HAB dashboard changed on Thursday:

• Lahontan Reservoir moved from HAB Danger to HAB Warning
• Washoe Lake (Big) moved from HAB Watch to “waterbody clear”
• Washoe Lake (Small) moved from HAB Watch to “waterbody clear”

“There have been two consecutive algal toxin results below the threshold for HAB Danger, but still above the threshold for HAB Warning, so the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection hs reduced the advisory level to HAB Warning for Lahontan Reservoir located within Lahontan State Recreation Area,” according to a social media post by Nevada State Parks on Thursday.

While those changes were in Lyon County and Washoe County, officials at Lake Mead National Recreation Area said Thursday they are still monitoring the HAB situation near Nelson’s Landing on Lake Mohave. The blooms are “very localized in the coves” and can be dispersed on windy days, officials said.

Lake Mead officials advised visitors to avoid contact with water in areas of thick algal growth, and to keep dogs away from drinking water near thick patches of algae.

Toxins produced by cyanobacteria associated with HABs can cause serious health issues for people and animals. No human or animal illnesses have been confirmed in Nevada this year.

Recent additions to the HAB Watch list include Sheep Creek Reservoir in Elko County (Sept. 12) and Virginia Lake in Washoe County (Sept. 11). Virginia Lake is in Reno — very similar to city lakes in Las Vegas at Sunset Park and Lorenzi Park.

Health officials remind everyone that blooms can occur at any time — not just in the heat of summer. Stagnant water and sunlight are factors.

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