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Water quality monitoring by the Maryland Department of
Natural Resources
(DNR), MD Department of the Environment (MDE), VA DEQ, George Mason University and NOAA has identified high
concentrations of the potentially toxic blue-green algae, Microcystis
aeruginosa, in Mattawoman Creek as well as a stretch of the mainstem
Potomac River from Indianhead to Possum point.
The potential bloom area covers nearly
18 miles of the river from Piscataway Creek down to Chicamuxen
Creek (MD) and Possum Point / Quantico Creek (VA). Algal toxin
testing performed on samples collected recently indicate toxin levels are below
thresholds for human and animal contact. River enthusiasts should
take certain
precautions when recreating in this
portion of the river.
The State of Maryland is working to improve water quality and reduce
nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by upgrading waste water
treatment plants, implementing the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund, and
working with local governments and citizens through the Bay TMDL (nutrient
diet). For up to date information on all of Maryland 's harmful algal blooms
and water quality, please visit DNR's Eyes on the Bay website at
www.eyesonthebay.net
.The MD DNR in coordination and cooperation with Department of
Health and Mental Hygien (DHMH) and MDE will continue to monitor algal blooms throughout the
state.
Background:
Blooms of Microcystis have occurred historically in freshwater to low
salinity waters of the Potomac River with the most recent high intensity
blooms occurring in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Blooms are likely fueled by a
combination of excessive nutrients in the water and appropriate
environmental conditions (wind, water flow, sunlight/water clarity) and
typically occur between July through early September. The blooms appear as
bright green water with possible associated surface scum.
Microcystis aeruginosa,
a cyanobacteria or bluegreen algae, is a naturally-occurring algae in
Maryland's Chesapeake Bay and fresh water tributaries. Algae blooms usually occur
during the summer and fall; however, they can occur anytime during the year.
Sometimes blue-green algae produce toxins. Swallowing water with algae
that are producing toxins can cause serious illness. The World Health
Organization suggests avoiding recreational contact in waters that exceed
microcystin (liver toxin) levels of 10 ppb. The State of Maryland uses
this as a threshold for establishing water contact advisories.
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The
Health Department advises individuals who are considering water contact
activities such as water-skiing, swimming, etc. to avoid these areas and
in general take the following precautions if algae blooms are noted:
·
Do not swim
in areas where a bloom of blue-green algae is evident.
·
Do not
drink water from an area with the appearance of a blue-green algal
bloom.
·
If contact
is unavoidable, simply wash off with fresh water as soon as possible.
·
If any skin
irritation persists or any of the above symptoms develop, see a
physician or healthcare provider.
·
Keep pets
and livestock away from bloom areas. If your pet or livestock appears
ill and may have been in contact with the bloom, questions should be
directed to your veterinarian. |
Please note that illness associated with harmful algal blooms
is a reportable illness. All human health issues should be reported to
DHMH at 866-703-3266.
The
Chesapeake Bay Safety and Environmental Hotline is a toll-free phone
number for Maryland citizens to call to report a problem on the tidal
portions of Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay as well as the
Coastal Bays. One phone call will now direct citizens to the appropriate
agency to make a report 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-877-224-7229.
Citizens are able to report any of the following via the hotline:
• Boating accident or reckless activity
• Fish kill or algal bloom
• Floating debris that poses a hazard to navigation
• Illegal fishing activity
• Public sewer leak or overflow
• Oil or hazardous material spill
• Critical area or wetlands violation
• Suspicious or unusual activity
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