The City of Reno is experiencing seasonal algae blooms at Virginia Lake, prompting officials to warn people and pets to avoid contact with the water for the next two months.
The blooms, common during late summer and early fall, occur when water levels are lower, nutrient levels are higher, and circulation is poor.
“Algae blooms are a normal part of the seasonal cycle in some lakes,” said Chris Holman with the City of Reno. “Although the water may look different, these blooms are natural and temporary, and they will go away as the weather cools.”
The algae can produce harmful toxins called cyanotoxins. Exposure to these toxins may cause stomach pain, headaches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and coughing in humans. Pets are also at risk if they drink the water or lick algae off their fur after swimming.
City staff are coordinating water quality sampling efforts with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) as part of the NDEP Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) program. Recent tests show Virginia Lake has enough cyanotoxins to trigger a warning under the HAB Advisory.
While people can still walk, jog, or enjoy the area around Virginia Lake, swimming and allowing pets to enter or drink from the lake is prohibited. The algae bloom will disappear as the weather cools.
Source: City of Reno
