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9/17/2024
WT Staff
 September 17, 2024 1040 am EDT
HAB Tracker
Georgia Healthy Beaches
Jekyll Island, St Simons beaches testing clean and clear of bacteria
Bacterial Alerts from Georgia Healthy Beaches
As of this report, no new temporary advisories have been added for St Simons or Jekyll Island beaches. Two permanent advisories for Jekyll Island remain though the last quarterly water test, July 1, 2024 returned a nil result for bacteria.
The last quarterly water test was taken July 1, 2024:
- Jekyll Clam Creek Beach Permanent Advisory - Enterococcus measured at 0 cfu per 100 ml July 1, 2024
- St. Andrew's Beach - Jekyll Island Permanent Advisory - Enterococcus measured at 0 cfu per 100 ml July 1, 2024
Georgia HAB Tracker from the Cyanobacteria Assessment Network of the US EPA
Not all bluegreen algae is of the type that produces toxins, and not all that can produce toxins do.
The Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) is an early detection system to identify the presence of HABs, indicating where State and local agencies may want to follow up with on site testing for cyanotoxins. The US EPA studied cyanotoxins in drinking water sources to determine whether these contaminants need to be added to the Safe Drinking Water Act regulations. At the conclusion of the five year course of testing and feasibility studies, EPA opted to issue a Health Advisory with suggested maximum contaminant levels as a guide, the States determine when toxin testing is done and at what levels the cyanotoxins warrant a public advisory.
From the CyAN Web application, "this experimental web application provides provisional satellite derived measures of cyanobacteria, which may contain errors and should be considered a research tool."
Cyanobacteria cell counts have been located for the following Georgia water bodies so far, more to follow.
Jackson Lake 108,643 cells per ml Oct 14, 2023
Lake Lanier 23,121 Gaines Ferry Dec 23, 2023
Lake Hartwell 57,544 cells per ml at Sadlers Creek Jan 6, 2024
High Falls Lake 69,823 cells per ml May 8, 2021
Lake Burton 554,626 cells per ml scanned April 20, 2024
Lake Harding 105,682 cells per ml scanned July 27, 2024 Phipps Island
Carters Lake 346,737 cells per ml at Harris Creek site, scanned Jan 6 2024
Blue Ridge Lake 9817 cells per ml at Morganton Point Recreational Area, scanned Dec 16, 2023
Lake Strom Thurmond 22,491 cells per ml at Keg Creek site, scanned Nov 4 2023
Ocean Pond 46,132 cells per ml scanned March 30 2024
Walter F George Reservoir 124, 738 cells per ml at Alexanders Landing, scanned June 8 2024
Lake Blackshear 60,814 cells per ml at Crisp County Fire Dept site, scanned Oct 8 2022
Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) is a multi-agency project including the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) organized under the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The purpose of CyAN is "to develop an early warning indicator system to detect algal blooms in U.S. freshwater systems. This research supports federal, state, tribal, and local partners in their monitoring efforts to assess water quality to protect aquatic and human health". The experimental web application provides provisional satellite derived measures of cyanobacteria, which may contain errors and should be considered a research tool.
Centers for Disease Control "One Health" Approach to HABs
A 2021 Summary report "One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System" notes:
- People and animals are getting sick from harmful algal blooms (HABs) across the U.S.
- Sixteen states voluntarily reported 368 HABs events, including 117 human cases of illness and at least 2,715 animal cases of illness.
- HAB events predominantly occurred in summer months, with human illnesses occurring primarily in June and animal illnesses occurring primarily in August.
What happens when drinking water is contaminated with HAB toxins?
During the Toledo water crisis of 2014, the measured level of microcystins in the finished drinking water triggered a "Do not drink" alert impacting half a million people. It is important to note here that drinking water contaminated with HAB toxins cannot be made safe by boiling. The ingested toxin is damaging to vital organs, kidneys and liver. The problem is that not everyone receives the "Do not drink" order right away. Analysis of the critical event by Mcarty, Nelson et al found 21% of the impacted population ingested water via drinking or brushing teeth after the advisory was issued. This is the lag time or delay in public drinking water advisory information we are working to correct.
Awareness of the HABs around your drinking water supply and on-going lab test results can instill confidence in municipal drinking water supplies and ensure you don't miss an announcement, accidentally ingesting contaminated water and suffering long term health effects.
Harmful Algal Blooms: WT follows the movement and growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs) as provided by the satellite monitoring program of the NCCOS for New York's Lake Champlain, Ohio's Lake Erie and Louisiana's Lake Pontchartrain and surrounding area. Interpretation of satellite images is best in clear conditions at wind speed less than 4 mph, where the appearance and extent of HABs is reliably matched to a color scale for concentration. HABs are known to produce algal toxins of concern for raw drinking water sources and recreational water bodies. Plan beach access to avoid HABs and consider carrying a rapid test kit to detect the toxin microcystins.
US EPA Health Advisories for public drinking water specify the maximum threshhold for two common algal toxins, microcystins and cylindrospermopsins, liver toxins produced by cyanobacteria. Note these levels are health advisories, not legally enforceable regulatory limits. Two levels are identified, separating the population by age. The first level applies to pre-school aged children, the second level applies for those age 6 and up. The EPA health advisory gives the maximum level of toxin that would not produce negative health impacts over a ten day period. For microcystins, .3 ug/L under 6 yrs old; 1.6 ug/L for 6 and older. For cylindrospermopsins, the toxin associated with the HAB Aphanizomenon the level for preschoolers is .7 ug/L, for those 6 and up, 3 ug/L.
WTGA calls for public assistance reporting HABs
As HAB pressure increases on the continent, WT tracks reports of the occurrence of these scum mats that impede recreational enjoyment and drinking water quality. With the recent expansion of the satellite surveillance program to include a site in New York State, WT now has access to HABs imaging for three out of four states that we cover on a year-round basis. HABs activity has been noted right through the winter months in Ohio and Louisiana, albeit at a lower concentrations than seen in the summer. We note the increasing trend in bloom activity where regular reports are made, in NY, OH and LA. Georgia Power Lakes water quality is monitored by the power companies and reports are made to Georgia Environmental Protection Division when HABs are observed. We know of one official report made to Georgia Environmental Protection Division in late August 2023 and believe the important matter of HABs may be under-reported. We therefore ask for public assistance in reporting observations of presumed and confirmed HABs in water bodies of Georgia. Email: info@wtga.us
HABs constitute a public health risk for swimmers, waders, pets, livestock and drinking water supplies. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division receives HABs reports, as do the County Health offices. Reporting HABs observations here is a way to communicate to the public where HABs may be preventing access to beaches and where attention and caution may be exercised while enjoying the lakes.
Report sightings of algae with the appearance of spilled paint or grass clippings to info@wtga.us with location details and a photo. We tag these reports to our map to alert the public. The identity of the reporting party is not disclosed.
According to the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, 2021 presented the first animal death suspected linked to a HAB on the main stem of the Chattahoochee River. The location of the HAB is reported as "Bull Sluice Lake along the Gold Branch Trail near trail marker GB-7". Confirmed reports of HABs on Lake Harding in the Middle Chattahoochee region in July and August 2021 and again at the end of August 2023.
From the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper description of harmful algal blooms, "HABs, are created when high amounts of naturally occurring cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) grow out of control and produce cyanotoxins that can be harmful to animal and human health. Cyanotoxins can cause human and animal illness through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Different species of cyanobacteria produce different toxins that impact the nervous system, liver, skin, or stomach."
For more information about the Georgia Healthy Beaches program https://coastalgadnr.org/healthybeaches
Understanding HABs - Cyanobacteria
from Georgia Department of Public Health, Coastal Health District
To report a bloom or find information on current conditions at your local water body, contact any of the following:
- Georgia Environmental Protection Division at (912) 264-7284
- Georgia Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218
- Georgia Coastal Health District (912) 262-2342
HABS - Harmful Algae Blooms Sources of Information
WaterToday collects algal bloom monitoring information from state and federal agencies including but not limited to the CDC, EPA, NOAA and state public health authorities.
HABs alerts are posted on our state maps according to the best available information reported by citizen groups, universities, state and/or federal monitoring agencies.
Before you head out to the beach, pond or stream, check with local authorities to confirm the latest HABs conditions.
Consider carrying a rapid test kit for microcystin, the most common of the cyanobacteria toxins.
Sources for algal bloom data:
Environmental Protection Agency Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN)
The mission of the CyAN project is to support the environmental management and public use of U.S. lakes and estuaries by providing a useful and accessible approach to detecting and quantifying algal blooms and related water quality using satellite data records.
What is CyAN?: Mobile and web-based application for cyanobacteria monitoring
How does it work? Users can enter the coordinates or name of local water bodies for monitoring information.
The CyAN project officially started October 1, 2015. It provided continental U.S. coverage using the Envisat MERIS archive from 2002-2012
Sign up here: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/cyanobacteria-assessment-network-application-cyan-app
Centers for Disease Control
Environmental Public Health Tracking provides data and information on health outcomes, the environment, population, and exposures, including harmful algal blooms occurring in water bodies of the USA, both freshwater and marine.
Centers for Disease Control "One Health" Approach to HABs
A 2021 Summary report "One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System" notes:
- People and animals are getting sick from harmful algal blooms (HABs) across the U.S.
- Sixteen states voluntarily reported 368 HABs events, including 117 human cases of illness and at least 2,715 animal cases of illness.
- HAB events predominantly occurred in summer months, with human illnesses occurring primarily in June and animal illnesses occurring primarily in August.
More from the CDC on Harmful Algal Blooms:
It is not possible to know if a large growth, or bloom, of algae or cyanobacteria (also called bluegreen algae) is harmful just by looking at it. Some blooms make toxins (poisons), which can still be in the water even when you can’t see a bloom. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful algae and cyanobacteria, what to do if you or a pet is exposed to them, and how to help prevent these blooms.
Swimming and Wading:
Stay out of water with a bloom, rinse off if you or your pets are in contact with water
If you see signs of a bloom, stay out of the water and keep your pets out of the water. Do not fish, swim, boat, or play water sports in areas where this is possible harmful algae or cyanobacteria.
Do not go into or play in water that:
- Smells bad
- Looks discolored
- Has foam, scum, algal mats, or paint-like streaks on the surface
- Has dead fish or other animals washed up on its shore or beach
Protect your pets and livestock from getting sick by keeping them away from water with possible harmful algae or cyanobacteria. Do not let animals:
- Get in the water
- Drink the water
- Lick or eat mats of cyanobacteria or algae
- Eat or graze near the water
- Eat dead fish or other animals on the shore
- Go on the beach or shoreline
If you or your pets do go in water that may have a bloom, rinse yourself and your pets immediately afterward with tap water from a sink, shower, hose, or outdoor spigot. Do not let pets lick their fur until they have been rinsed. Pets may have harmful algae, cyanobacteria, or related toxins on their fur if they swim or play in water with a bloom.
Do not fill pools with water directly from lakes, rivers, or ponds. The water could contain algal or cyanobacterial toxins or unsafe levels of germs.
Drinking Water
Follow local guidance about toxins in tap water
If you are notified of cyanobacteria or their toxins in your public drinking water supply, follow guidance from your local or state government or water utility to reduce the chances of you or your animals getting sick.
Harmful cyanobacteria may grow in water bodies that supply tap water. Although many water treatment plants can remove these toxins, tap water can be contaminated in certain situations. Cyanobacteria can also produce substances that are not harmful, but can change the taste or smell of tap water.
If you have concerns about the appearance, smell, or taste of tap water that you are using, contact your water utility or health department. Consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking until the problem is resolved.
Don’t boil water contaminated with toxins
Boiling water does not remove toxins and can concentrate the toxin.
Fish and shellfish:
Be aware of advisories and health risks related to eating contaminated fish and shellfish
Avoid eating very large reef fish such as grouper or amberjack, especially the head, gut, liver, or eggs. Large reef fish may be contaminated with ciguatoxin, the algal toxin that causes ciguatera fish poisoning
See the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance for more information on reef fish associated with unsafe levels of toxins.
Check for and follow local shellfish and fish advisories before eating any fish or shellfish you collect yourself. Algal and cyanobacterial toxins in fish or shellfish have no taste or odor. Cooking or preserving food does not remove toxins. Thus, you cannot tell if the seafood is safe by just looking at, smelling, or tasting it.
Check to see if shellfish beds are closed. State shellfish control authorities -- usually state health departments or other state agencies -- are required to control for toxins where harmful algal blooms are likely to occur and toxins could build up in shellfish. Common ways state authorities control for algal toxins include routine monitoring for toxic algae or shellfish and testing shellfish for toxins before or after harvesting. If levels of toxins are unsafe, state authorities will close the area for shellfish harvesting until shellfish are safe to eat.
Check safety advisories from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fish and Shellfish Advisories and Safe Eating Guidelines website.
Report any concerns to your local public health authorities.
EPA notice to the public on harmful algae
Harmful algal blooms can be green, blue, red or brown. They can be scummy or look like paint on the surface of the water.
What are harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of algae in water. Some produce dangerous toxins in fresh or marine water but even nontoxic blooms hurt the environment and local economies.
What are the effects of harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms can:
- Produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people and animals
- Create dead zones in the water
- Raise treatment costs for drinking water
- Hurt industries that depend on clean water
The EPA has a role in enforcing environmental protection regulations to limit discharges into water bodies that contribute to the growth of harmful algal blooms.
The EPA also maintains list of Impaired Water Bodies by state, those water bodies that are not supporting their ideal uses for recreation, including swimming, fishing and wading. The EPA works with state authorities to identify water bodies that are not supporting their intended recreational uses, to set daily maximum limits for contaminants and nutrient load for impaired water bodies. The EPA works with state and other federal agencies to investigate and prosecute violations of the Clean Water Act, with a role in ordering watershed plans that limit discharges to these water bodies to allow for recovery.
Follow WT Clean Water Act Crime Box to learn about the work of the EPA in historic criminal prosecutions involving illegal discharges to water bodies, or making false reports about discharges.
Check out our With the Flow report weekly to see spills, streamflows, algae blooms and drinking water advisories occurring in the same drainage area in the same time frame.
Marine Blooms - Red Tide
Q. What is red tide?
A. Red Tide is caused by microscopic algae (plant-like microorganism) called Karenia brevis or K. brevis. The organism produces a toxin that can affect the central nervous system of fish, birds, mammals and other animals.
Q: Is Red Tide, red?
A: At high concentrations (called blooms), the organisms may discolor the water – sometimes red, light or dark green, brown, or clear.
Q: Where does Red Tide occur?
A: Red tides occur worldwide. K. brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico but has been found on the east coast of Florida and off the coast of North Carolina.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Red tide blooms can last days, weeks or months and can also change daily due to wind conditions. Onshore winds normally bring it near the shore and offshore winds drive it out to sea.
Q: What causes Red Tide?
A. A red tide bloom needs biology (the organisms), chemistry (natural or man-made nutrients for growth), and physics (concentrating and transport mechanisms). No single factor causes it. Tests are being conducted to see if coastal nutrients enhance or prolong blooms.
Q: Can I swim in water affected by Red Tide?
A: Most people can swim in red tide but it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out and thoroughly wash off with fresh water. Swimming near dead fish is not recommended.
Q: What are the symptoms I may experience after contact with Red Tide?
A: Symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are normally coughing, sneezing and teary eyes. These are usually temporary when red tide toxins are in the air. Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the affects, and using over-the-counter antihistamines may decrease your symptoms. Check the marine forecast. Fewer toxins are in the air when the wind is blowing offshore.
Q: Are there people who are more sensitive to the toxins?
A: People with respiratory problems (like asthma or bronchitis) should avoid red tide areas, especially when winds are blowing toxins onto the shore. If you go to the beach, take your short acting inhaler with you. If you have symptoms, leave the beach and seek air conditioning.
Q: Who do I call if I think I have become sick from Red Tide?
A: Please consult with your primary care physician and contact the Coastal Health District at 912-262-2342.
Q: Can I eat seafood at restaurants during a Red Tide?
A: Commercial seafood found in restaurants and grocery stores is safe because it comes from red tide free water and is monitored by the government for safety.
Q: Can I eat seafood from recreational harvesting during a Red Tide?
A: Recreational fisherman must be careful:
Do not eat mollusks -- clams or oysters-- taken from red tide waters, as they contain toxins that cause a food poisoning called NSP --Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning.
Finfish caught live and healthy can be eaten if filleted.
Use common sense! Harvesting distressed or dead animals is not advised under any circumstances.
Edible parts of other animals commonly called shellfish -- crabs, shrimp and lobsters -- are not affected by the red tide organisms and can be eaten.
Do not eat the tamale -- the green stuff, hepatopancreas.
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