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Klamath River Plagued by Toxic Algae
Aerial photos of the Klamath algae problem
YouTube: Klamath Toxic Algae Story
Report: Bioaccumulation in Klamath fish and mussels
Press Release: Klamath Riverkeeper legal victory forces EPA to regulate toxic algae
More studies and info on Klamath dams & toxic algae
Water samples from PacifiCorp's 
reservoirs consistently reveal high levels of the toxic blue-green algae Microcystis aeruginosa, which produces a compound known to cause liver failure. Samples taken from areas frequented by recreational users of the reservoir contained cell counts up to 4,000 times greater than what the World Health Organization (WHO) considers a moderate health risk.
M. aeruginosa is a toxic species of cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) native to the Klamath, but does not flourish in flowing water. The warmer, stagnant waters of the Klamath reservoirs are prime breeding grounds for this algae and the toxin it produces: microcystin.
The Karuk Tribe's Water Quality Department is currently monitoring algae levels in the Klamath reservoirs, which are located on the Klamath River near the Oregon border between Ashland, OR and Yreka, CA.
Toxic algae is a health risk
The WHO reports that animal poisonings and human illnesses related to the blue-green algae Microcystis aeruginosa are usually accompanied by the presence of scum material at the water surface, and that ongoing observation of beaches is necessary to assess the existence of high-risk exposures.
WHO reports indicate that exposure to high levels of Microcystin can produce symptoms such as eye and skin irritation, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, headache, pains in muscles and joints, and weakness. However, chronic long-term exposure can be more dangerous as symptoms may not develop until much damage has been done.
There are two aspects of chronic Microcystin damage to the liver—progressive active liver injury and the potential for promotion of tumor growth. Tumor formation has been induced in laboratory mice. Thus liver failure or cancer could result if someone is exposed often over the course of years.
Children are at the greatest risk because of their small size and propensity to accidentally swallow water while swimming. If a swimming child swallowed half a cup of water from the reservoir, they could be exposed to toxin levels almost 100 times the WHO allowable Total Daily Intake.
What is Klamath Riverkeeper doing to protect the public from toxic algae? California has neither state guidance nor laws pertaining to this serious pollutant. We are committed to changing this and have an active campaign to set standards and regulations for toxic algae. Our legal pressure forced the EPA to list the Klamath as impaired by toxic algae in 2008. We continue to pursue this issue by:
- Petitioning the regional and state water boards to make PacifiCorp get a permit for creating and releasing toxic algae
- Supporting efforts of government agencies and tribes to create state-wide guidance
- Assisting the Karuk Tribe water monitoring program
- Supporting a public nuisance lawsuit by tribal members, fishermen and recreational businesses that seeks to make PacifiCorp reduce algae blooms
- Creating educational information about the algae
What do I do if I see toxic algae? Here are some pointers from the WHO guidelines regarding blue-green algal blooms:
- Avoid areas with visible algae and/or scums. Direct contact and ingestion are associated with the greatest health risk.
- If no scums are visible, but water shows a strong greenish discoloration such that you cannot see your feet when standing knee deep (after sediment has settled) avoid bathing, immersion of head, and/or ingestion.
- Avoid waterskiing in visible scums or waters with a strong greenish coloration as described above because of the potentially substantial risk of exposure to aerosols.
- If sailing, sailboarding or undertaking any other activity likely to involve accidental immersion, wear clothing that is loose fitting in the openings. Use of wet suits for water sports may result in greater risk of rashes, as the algal material trapped in the wet suit will be in contact with the skin for longer periods of time.
- After coming ashore, shower or wash to remove algal material.