Northern Nevada lake unsafe due to algae bloom

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Officials have declared a Northern Nevada lake unsafe after an algae bloom.

Little Washoe Lake between Reno and Carson City is under a HAB (Harmful Algal Bloom) Warning, according to a dashboard updated daily by Nevada Public Health and the Office of State Epidemiology.

Eight other ponds, lakes and reservoirs around the state are under watch conditions, meaning hazardous conditions are likely present. The closest site to Las Vegas is Eagle Valley Reservoir in Lincoln County.

Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Las Vegas — the three lakes monitored in Clark County — are currently listed as clear.

No human or animal illnesses associated with algae blooms in Nevada have been confirmed.

Little Washoe Lake is just north of the larger Washoe Lake in Washoe Valley along U.S. Highway 395/Interstate 580.

Naturally occurring blue-green algae can multiply quickly and cause discoloration, scum and mats on the water. Blue-green algae are actually single-celled aquatic organisms called cyanobacteria. Some types produce nerve or liver toxins that are hard to predict.

“Because it is hard to tell whether an algal bloom is harmful or not it is recommended to avoid contact with any floating mats, scums, and discolored water,” according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Blooms generally occur in the late summer and early fall.

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