Southwest District Health warns of toxic algae blooms in Lake Lowell

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A health advisory has been issued for Lake Lowell Friday due to a harmful bacteria.

The Southwest District Health says folks should avoid swimming, wading or other water activities and to avoid drinking the water.

Recent water samples tested positive for toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Spatial distribution and density of cells indicate high concentrations of of the bacteria, which can be harmful to people, pets, and livestock.

The bacteria is a common occurrence for Idaho water bodies

Here are some precautions for the area:

• Avoid swimming, wading, or other activities. Take extra precautions to ensure children, pets, and livestock are not exposed to the water.
• Do not drink or cook with water containing a bloom. Boiling and filtering the water can increase the risk.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling fish caught in water experiencing a bloom. Cyanotoxins can accumulate in fish and the risk to people is being researched. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption. If people choose to eat fish from this area, filet the fish and remove all of the fat, skin, and organs before cooking.
• Clean with potable water as soon as possible if water contacts skin or pet fur.

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