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ENVIRONMENT

Mapping murk: Environment Department launches algal bloom advisory map for NM's lakes

A stringer of kokanee salmon, caught by Reyes Gonzales and David Garcia, lies in a soup of blue-green algae at Eagle Nest Lake in November. The New Mexico Environment Department is warning that fish caught in lakes with the algae should be washed before cooking and launched an interactive map to show algal blooms in the state's major lake systems.
John Miller
John Miller Journal Staff Writer
Published Modified

The New Mexico Environment Department has launched a new web-based interactive tool to tell anglers and other aquatic enthusiasts whether algae blooms might be present before they venture lakeside.

Environment Department personnel plan to update for seven of the state鈥檚 major lake systems 鈥渁t least bi-weekly鈥� during peak algae season, which typically runs from July through November.

"By making current advisory information available in one place and updating it throughout bloom season, we're helping families, anglers, boaters, and pet owners make informed decisions and reduce their risk of exposure to harmful algal blooms,鈥� Shelly Lemon, surface water quality bureau chief, said in a statement.

Algal blooms safety guidelines

  • Do not drink untreated surface water or get it in your mouth.

  • Avoid algae blooms while swimming and wading. Swimming is not recommended near visible blooms.

  • Supervise and keep pets away from both water and shoreline algae and rinse them with clean water if contact occurs.

  • Rinse fish with clean water prior to cooking thoroughly and eat only the fillet.

Source: NM Environment Dept.

Algae are microscopic or single-celled organisms that form the base aquatic food webs or ecosystems. Sometimes called red tide in marine environments, harmful algal blooms occur when certain algae types grow in excess in water, posing health risks to fish, humans and other animals.

Blooms can appear blue, bright green, brown or red and may look like scum or floating grass clippings on the water鈥檚 surface, according to the Environment Department.

They can produce dangerous microbes that can kill fish by deoxygenating water and cause irritation, severe gastrointestinal distress, liver damage and neurological problems, according to the Health Department.

The Health Department will issue a 鈥渨arning鈥� for designated lakes when water samples indicate toxins in excess of safety thresholds, while a 鈥渨atch鈥� advisory indicates harmful algal blooms may be developing.

Algae has been noted in many of the state鈥檚 main lakes and waterways this year, in part due to low water conditions that can lead to stagnation, allowing these tiny microorganisms to multiply.

The Environment Department warns people to stay away from algal blooms and keep their pets at a safe distance.

As of Monday, warnings had been issued for Quemado Lake in Catron County, Clayton Lake in Union County and Lower Charette Lake in Mora County. Watches were in effect for El Vado Reservoir in Rio Arriba County, Bluewater Lake in Cibola County, Eagle Nest Lake in Colfax County and Santa Cruz Lake in Santa Fe County.

鈥淲e encourage everyone to check the map before visiting a waterbody because knowing the current conditions is one of the best ways to stay safe,鈥� Lemon added. 鈥淲e also want to remind the public that if the water is smelly or looks scummy, it鈥檚 best to stay out. When in doubt, stay out.鈥�

John Miller is the Journal鈥檚 northern New Mexico correspondent. He can be reached at jmiller@abqjournal.com.

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