Harmful algae blooms spotted Sept. 22 in the water and on the shoreline of Santa Cruz Lake. Courtesy/NMED
NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is advising visitors to Santa Cruz Lake near Española to exercise caution due to the presence of a potentially harmful algae bloom.
Recent samples collected from the lake indicate that harmful algae are present.
NMED is recommending that visitors follow specific safety precautions while at the lake:
- Do not drink untreated surface water;
- Avoid swimming in areas with algae blooms and keep pets out of the water;
- Stay clear of algae deposits along the shoreline; and
- Supervise children and pets, as they are more likely to ingest water or algae.
Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain algae overgrow in water, posing a potential health risk to people and animals. They can appear blue, bright green, brown, or red and resemble scum on the water’s surface. The dominant algae responsible for this bloom is dolichospermum, and has been seen in the water as well as deposited on the shoreline of the lake.
While HABs can be dangerous due to the toxins that may be produced by certain algae, it is helpful to view them in the same way as encountering a rattlesnake on a hiking trail. While precautions should be taken to avoid them, it is rarely necessary to close an entire area due to their presence.
Anyone who suspects they may have an algae-related illness should contact the New Mexico Poison Information Center at 800.222.1222. For illnesses in animals, call 888.426.4435. NMED is actively monitoring conditions at the lake. Additional information about harmful algal blooms (HABs) is available on NMED’s HABs webpage here.
