Health warning issued for north end of Hayden Lake

State officials recently issued a public health advisory for the north end of Hayden Lake.

Water sampling by Idaho Department of Environmental Quality indicated the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as a harmful algal bloom, on the north arm of the lake from McLeans bay north. 

"It's probably going to get worse before it gets better," said Tom Yount with the Hayden Lake Watershed Improvement District.

The public should take precaution throughout the lake as HABs can spread and move with wind and water traffic, a press release from the Panhandle Health District said.

HABs have the potential to produce dangerous toxins especially when accumulated in high concentrations, the release said.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s water bodies. When temperatures rise, their populations can bloom and toxic chemical compounds, or cyanotoxins, can be released into the water, the release said.

The physical appearance of the blooms can vary, presenting as discolored water, streaks or globs of scum and can cause thick green mats along lake shorelines. 

Pets, children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most at-risk of harmful exposure. 

"The public is urged to use caution when recreating in or near the water at the north end of Hayden Lake if the appearance of a HAB is present," the release said.

Private domestic water system owners utilizing the lake as a drinking water source are cautioned that potentially present toxins cannot be removed by boiling or filtering the water, the release said.

Anyone who swims in the lake is encouraged to wash with fresh water. If people choose to eat fish from the lake, it is recommended they remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, since toxins are more likely to collect in those tissues. 

Symptoms of exposure to HABs vary according to exposure, but can include rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing and/or wheezing.