CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY LIFTED FOR LAKE LOWELL

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY LIFTED FOR LAKE LOWELL

Southwest District Health (SWDH), in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), has lifted the Health Advisory for Lake Lowell. DEQ officials monitored cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, and associated toxins where harmful algal blooms (HABs) were present and have confirmed that blue-green algae levels in Lake Lowell have returned to normal and toxin levels are below the safety threshold.

Other blooms may exist on this waterbody that have not been reported to DEQ or the health district. Water users should always exercise caution around water bodies with visible slime or surface scum or a foul odor. High concentrations of toxin-producing cyanobacteria may cause illness to both humans and animals. Report any concerns to DEQ at 208.373.0550

For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at http://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/blue-green-algae/.

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Chase Cusack, DEQ                         208.373.0490              Chase.Cusack@deq.idaho.gov

Katrina Williams, SWDH                  208.455.5317               Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov