by Kelsey Penrose
Last week it was announced that Washoe Lake along with Lahontan Reservoir were under HAB watches (harful algae bloom). Now, lab results reveal that the toxic algae is confirmed within the lake’s waters.
Specifically, toxic algae returned from Little Washoe Lake, which is connected through channels to Big Washoe.
According to the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP), a Warning indicates the tested body of water is unsafe. The next step, HAB Danger, is a red level advisory indicating that the body of water is extremely unsafe for human and animal exposures.
“All other water bodies currently under HAB Watch, will remain on the Watch Advisory due to extensive visible blooms according to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection,” Nevada State Parks wrote in a post on social media. “These toxic algae can cause serious health issues for humans and animals.”
We will continue to update as new information becomes available. If you see water that looks discolored or has a bad smell, stay away.
It’s extremely important to keep pets from the water as they are more susceptible due to drinking water from the lake.
For more information, see our previous reporting at the link above or visit https://parks.nv.gov/about/hab-advisory
