Cyanotoxin FAQ
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Q: What are Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms and Cyanotoxins?
A: Cyanobacteria, previously known as blue-green algae, are found naturally in lakes, rivers, ponds and other surface waters. When certain conditions exist, such as in warm water containing an abundance of nutrients, they can rapidly form cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). Some cyanoHABs can produce toxins...Read More See Less InformationA: Cyanobacteria, previously known as blue-green algae, are found naturally in lakes, rivers, ponds and other surface waters. When certain conditions exist, such as in warm water containing an abundance of nutrients, they can rapidly form cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). Some cyanoHABs can produce toxins called cyanotoxins. CyanoHABs and their toxins can harm people, animals, aquatic ecosystems, the economy, drinking water supplies, property values, and recreational activities, including swimming and fishing.
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Q: How do cyanotoxins affect our drinking water?
A: Cyanobacterial blooms that create cyanotoxins can occur in source waters (e.g., lakes or rivers) that are used to supply drinking water. The McKenzie River can transport toxins from upriver reservoirs to the drinking water intake at the water treatment plant. If cyanotoxins are not removed during drinking water treatment,...Read More See Less InformationA: Cyanobacterial blooms that create cyanotoxins can occur in source waters (e.g., lakes or rivers) that are used to supply drinking water. The McKenzie River can transport toxins from upriver reservoirs to the drinking water intake at the water treatment plant. If cyanotoxins are not removed during drinking water treatment, people can be exposed to cyanotoxins through their tap water.
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Q: What does EWEB do if cyanotoxins are detected?
A: We increase monitoring and sampling, and if warranted, we modify our treatment process to mitigate the risk of cyanotoxins entering the drinking water. EWEB maintains a Water Quality Dashboard and Recreational Use Map that are regularly updated with new water quality monitoring results to share conditions throughout the...Read More See Less InformationA: We increase monitoring and sampling, and if warranted, we modify our treatment process to mitigate the risk of cyanotoxins entering the drinking water. EWEB maintains a Water Quality Dashboard and Recreational Use Map that are regularly updated with new water quality monitoring results to share conditions throughout the watershed.
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Q: What are the health effects from exposure to cyanotoxins in drinking water?
A: If cyanotoxins occur in tap water over a 10-day time period at levels above the Oregon Health Authority's health advisory levels, people are at risk of various adverse health effects including upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea as well as liver and kidney damage. Cyanotoxins cannot be removed by boiling water. Water...Read More See Less InformationA: If cyanotoxins occur in tap water over a 10-day time period at levels above the Oregon Health Authority's health advisory levels, people are at risk of various adverse health effects including upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea as well as liver and kidney damage. Cyanotoxins cannot be removed by boiling water. Water contaminated with cyanotoxins can still be used for non-consumptive uses, like laundry and bathing.
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Q: How can people and animals be exposed to cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins during recreational activities?
A: The most common exposure to cyanobacteria and their toxins are those that occur during swimming or participating in other recreational activities in and on the water (e.g., lakes, rivers, ponds). These exposures include: Oral exposure from accidental or deliberate ingestion of contaminated water; Dermal exposure by direct...Read More See Less InformationA: The most common exposure to cyanobacteria and their toxins are those that occur during swimming or participating in other recreational activities in and on the water (e.g., lakes, rivers, ponds). These exposures include:
- Oral exposure from accidental or deliberate ingestion of contaminated water;
- Dermal exposure by direct contact of exposed parts of the body to water containing cyanobacteria cells. Also, cyanobacteria cells can accumulate in bathing suits, particularly diving suits, breaking and exposing skin to toxins, and;
- Inhalation exposure through the aspiration of water containing cyanobacteria cells and their toxins.
High-speed water activities such as water skiing, wake-boarding or power-boating should be avoided in areas where recreational advisories are in place, as these activities can increase incidental ingestion through falling and can aerosolize the water, making it easier to be inhaled.
