Task Force Reminds Public of the Dangers of HABs

The Nevada Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Task Force held an educational day at Lahontan State Recreation Area to raise awareness about the growing concern of harmful algal blooms in Nevada’s waters. Experts from the Nevada HAB Task Force shared vital information on recognizing warning signs of HABs, provided safety guidelines, and highlighted the importance of using the reporting tool to report a suspected HAB.

“One of the primary goals of the HAB Task Force is to provide clear, accessible information to everyone who enjoys recreating on Nevada’s waterbodies. By doing so, we hope to empower the public to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets during harmful algal blooms,” said Weston Fettgather, environmental scientist with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. “The public can also play a key role by using our online reporting tool to share suspected HAB sightings. These reports are critical to expanding our monitoring efforts and helping us respond quickly in high-use areas.”

What is a HAB? In Nevada, cyanobacteria, sometimes referred to as blue-green algae, are naturally present in surface waters and play an important role in aquatic food-webs and biochemical processes. When specific conditions occur, such as high nutrients, warm temperatures, and stagnant water, these organisms can reproduce rapidly, creating a bloom, which can sometimes lead to a HAB.  

While not all algal blooms are harmful, some blooms can produce toxins dangerous to humans, animals, and aquatic life and the presence of toxins cannot be identified without testing. Symptoms of exposure can include skin irritation, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, and can be fatal to dogs and other pets. In Nevada, HAB season typically occurs between June and October. 

The Nevada HAB Task Force provides the following safety tips to help the public, pets, and other animals stay safe: 

• Check for Advisories: Before heading out, visit habs.ndep.nv.gov to check for any HAB watches, warnings, or dangers. 

• YELLOW (HAB WATCH): Hazardous conditions are possible or present. 
• ORANGE (HAB WARNING): The waterbody is unsafe. 
• RED (HAB DANGER): The waterbody is extremely unsafe for human and animal exposure. 
   

• Learn How to Identify a HAB: HABs can develop rapidly, move quickly, and might not always be covered by a current advisory. They often appear as “scum” or discoloration on the water surface and can make water look like paint or pea soup, form scum, bubbles, or foam, or look like lettuce or chopped grass. They often have a fishy, rotten, or gasoline-like smell. For more information, visit habs.ndep.nv.gov. 
   
• Avoid Suspected HABs: Do not swim or engage in recreational activities in discolored water or water with a foul odor or visible algal scum. Fishing is safe, but rinse off fish with clean water and only eat the fillets. 
   
• Protect Pets and Children: Keep them away from water that may be contaminated with HABs. 
   
• Monitor animal water sources: Keep livestock and other animals away from potentially contaminated water. Symptoms can occur much quicker in animals, often within minutes or hours. If animals show signs of illness, contact a veterinarian and inspect water sources. 
   
• Report Suspicious Blooms: Use the HAB reporting tool (https://nviro.ndep.nv.gov/nform/app/#/formversion/5d07a198-9249-42d8-9433-ef2ae2fbadf7) to report suspected blooms to NDEP’s Biological Assessment and Monitoring Branch. 

For more information on the health effects of HABs, current advisories, monitoring, and how to join the HAB Listserv, visit habs.ndep.nv.gov.

About the Nevada HAB Task Force – Harmful algal blooms are an increasing concern in Nevada, presenting risks to public health and the environment. The HAB Task Force, initiated in 2019 and officially formalized in 2023, is dedicated to combating this challenge through advanced technologies, coordinated efforts and community outreach. Partners include: the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Department of Human Services, Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and Nevada Department of Agriculture, federal partners and various stakeholders.