Water unsafe at more Lake Mohave sites as HAB reports expand to Cottonwood Cove

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Toxic algae blooms are making the water unsafe at more locations along Lake Mohave, according to an update provided Wednesday by Lake Mead National Recreation Area .

Park officials advise visitors to avoid swimming or allowing pets to swim or drink water at the following locations:

• Cottonwood Cove
• Six Mile Cove
• Open water between Nevada Bay and Arizona Bay
• Nelson’s Landing
• Placer Cove

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) had previously been recorded in September at Nelson’s Landing and Placer Cove. Blooms were also present at Eagle Wash Cove and Morning Star Cove. But the first three locations on the list are new.

The Cottonwood Cove HAB follows a Sept. 22 report posted in a private Facebook group showing this photo:

The woman who posted the photo asked 8 News Now for information on how to report it. She said, “It was all over every spot in Cottonwood. Does anyone know if this is toxic?”

Cottonwood Cove is about 70 miles southeast of Las Vegas via U.S. 95, straight east of Searchlight. Six Mile Cove is just south of there, and Arizona Bay and Nevada Bay are just upriver.

If you come across thick green algae floating on the water’s surface within Lake Mead National Recreation Area — which includes Lake Mohave — report it at the park’s non-emergency number: 702-293-8998 or email LAKE_Information@nps.gov

HABs are most dangerous when they are disturbed by activity such as a pet walking through the water or swimming.

“If you or your pets come into contact with the water, rinse off with clean water immediately. Algal toxins are especially dangerous if ingested, so keep pets and animals away from the water. Park biologists are monitoring the situation and will update when it’s safe to return,” according to a Lake Mead Facebook post.

Toxic algae blooms occur when cyanobacteria multiply quickly, creating blooms that spread across the water’s surface. They can drift to other locations depending on weather conditions.

Learn more about cyanobacteria and algal blooms: https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/about/index.html .

A dashboard maintained by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Office of State Epidemiology monitors HABs around the state. The new locations have not been added to the dashboard yet. The dashboard also reports illnesses associated with HABS, but so far this year no confirmed illnesses among humans or pets have been confirmed.

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