Northern Calif. officials issue toxic algae warning for rivers, lakes
Northern California authorities issued a warning Friday urging people to avoid swimming in rivers and lakes if they encounter slimy layers of dark green or brown scum floating on the surface or a pea soup-like murkiness to the water – signs of cyanobacteria. Conditions are ripe for potentially harmful blue-green algae this time of year, when it grows more rapidly in warm and slow-moving water, and may even lead to blooms producing toxins that could pose a health risk to humans and animals, the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services said in a recent news release. Dogs and children are most susceptible to exposure because of their smaller size and tendency to stay in the water for longer periods of time, according to the department.