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State Reports High Levels of Blue-Green Algae at Eagle Creek, Geist, and Morse Reservoirs

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Department of Health has been notified of an increase of blue-green algae at Eagle Creek, Geist, and Morse Reservoirs. Elevated levels of blue-green algae can cause increased levels of microcystin (an algal toxin) in the water where blue-green algae are present.

Working collaboratively with the Hamilton and Marion County Health Departments, state health officials want Hoosiers to be aware and use caution when swimming, skiing, or participating in other recreational activities in either reservoir.

“It is important for individuals to avoid coming into direct contact with the algae and try to avoid swallowing water if at all possible,” said James Howell, DVM, assistant commissioner for Public Health & Preparedness.

While there are no U.S. standards regulating algal cell counts, the World Health Organization designates risk categories for recreational contact with water. At present, standard water treatments prevent algal toxins from affecting drinking water, but it may adversely impact recreational users of the reservoir, like swimmers, tubers, and jet skiers who have skin contact or may swallow large amounts of untreated water.

Direct contact with blue-green algae can cause skin irritation. Drinking untreated water, intentional or accidental, may result in gastrointestinal illness and more severe illness may occur with the presence of microcystin toxin.

Dr. Howell says it is always a good idea to take a bath or shower with warm, soapy water after coming in contact with untreated water in ponds and lakes, especially before preparing or consuming food. He also recommends people never drink, cook, or shower with untreated water from lakes, ponds, or streams. Pets and livestock should also not be allowed to swim in or drink untreated water from these sources.

For more information on blue-green algae, visit Indiana’s Blue-Green Algae Web site. The Web site is a collaborative effort of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana Board of Animal Health, in cooperation with the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is traditionally time for families to families mark the end of the summer season. People take time out before school is in full swing to take a vacation, go hiking, host summer parties, and take some time to go swimming. This year, many people are enjoying these activities right here in Central Indiana. If you are staying home this weekend and plan to spend some time swimming, boating, or fishing on Eagle Creek, Morse, or Geist Reservoirs, you should be aware that the latest monitoring results for these reservoirs show that all of them have total cyanobacterial cell counts exceeding 100,000 cells/ml. So, if you are recreating in the reservoirs, please take common sense precautions including the following:

  • During Recreation in the water:
    • Avoid coming in contact with visible algae while swimming, jet skiing or tubing.
    • Avoid swallowing large amounts of contaminated water.
    • Recreate in groups.
    • Don't let your pet drink or swim in contaminated water.
    • If your pet does swim in the river, be sure to properly bathe your pet afterwards.
    • Always supervise children playing in or around water, as they are more likely to swallow water.
  • After recreating in the water:
    • Bathe or shower with warm, soapy water after being in water that may be contaminated.
    • Don't drink, cook or shower with contaminated water.

Anyone who may be experiencing symptoms related to exposure to blue-green algae, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness, or difficulty breathing, should contact their health care provide.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Surveillance of water quality in the Geist, Morse, and Eagle Creek Reservoirs by Dr. Lenore Tedesco, Director of the Center for Earth and Environmental Sciences at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis show the presence of blue-green algae. Below are status reports for each reservoir.

Eagle Creek Reservoir

Total cyanobacterial cell counts for Eagle Creek Reservoir for August 18, 2009 were over 100,000 cells/ml. Microcystin, the toxin that can cause health concerns at high levels is now being identified at low levels in this reservoir.

Geist Reservoir

Total cyanobacterial cell counts for Geist Reservoir continue to be over 100,000 cells/ ml for August, 2009. Microcystin toxins are being found at low levels.

Morse Reservoir

Total cyanobacterial cell counts for Morse Reservoir continue over 100,000 cells/ ml for August, 2009. Measured microcystin levels remain relatively low and similar to the July monitoring results.

Important Note:

The existence of these cell counts does not correlate to high microcystin levels that would cause public health concerns. Instead these results mean that even though it may not be obvious, Algae is present and anyone who recreates in the reservoirs should take common sense precautions.

Welcome

In a newly coordinated venture several state agencies in Indiana are working to provide information about blue-green algae in our waterways. The effort formed due to concerns over blue-green algae in Indiana and a general lack of understanding regarding the threat they actually pose. Algae are commonly found in Indiana lakes and streams without concern, however the concentrated presence of blue-green algae can be linked to some health effects and has prompted this project.

The coordinating agencies include the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana Board of Animal Health. These organizations, in cooperation with the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, have developed a multi-pronged approach to keeping the public informed of blue-green algae while further researching its presence and effects in waterways.

Senators Beverly Gard and James Merritt and Representative Brian Bosma hosted an informational meeting on April 29, 2008. During this meeting the cooperative effort was announced along with presentations by the participating agencies. Members of the audience included residents who live near Geist Reservoir and expressed concern about blue-green algae.

Additional Resources