Health Warning in Delta

[sergem]

Damn the torpedoes, huh ?

Sometimes it works http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Farragut

[aikimatt]

I have chosen to keep sailing at Sherman.

I must be in the running to be the guy who has spent the most time on and in the water there this season. Many days I have not had a shower between getting out and getting back in the next day. Am I exposing myself to the as yet undocumented potential bad effects of long term low-level microcystin exposure in humans? Maybe, but in the present I have had no upset stomachs, no itching, no colds: nothing. Yeah it burns me like anyone else when I get my sinuses full of fresh water after a crash, but try the same thing in a pool if you want to blame the Delta water for that.

We sail close to Antioch, but nowhere near San Joaquin county. Even Antioch is not en route for most of the water that passes the sailing sites, on an ebb or on a flood. I have not seen one "green snowflake" at the Access, though I researched what to look for and looked hard, including in the stiller water amid the reeds.

I don't doubt that microcystins are highly toxic. I do doubt that you will find more than a trace level of these toxins at the Sherman Island sailing sites. It's just my nonprofessional opionion.

If any professionals can come back with some hard numbers, of course disclaiming any personal or professional liability, I would be very interested.

The best numbers I have are from Microcystis biomass and toxicity, which took many samples at many sites. The 95th percentile of microcystin concentrations was reported as 22.3 nanograms per liter at Antioch, and the highest of the 95th percentile concentrations was 58.67 nanograms per liter in the San Joaquin River.

Compare this with a report on Microcystin toxicity, where it is noted on p. 4 that a lethal dose in mice is 5-10mg / kg of body weight when taken orally. It then goes on to say that they found growths in the livers of mice who were given 20mg/kg doses four times a week for 28 weeks. How these mice did not die from the lower lethal dose I do not know.

Nevertheless, it seems reasonable to infer from this that to kill 70kg worth of mouse (am I 70kg worth of mouse?) we are going to need to extract the microcystins from at least 15,700,000 L of the water sampled in Anitoch in 2005.

These data lead to the following potential speculations:

Microcystins are affecting my brain and I have it all wrong.

The bloom is actually 16 million times worse this year, so now you can die from 1L of the Antioch water.

More reasonably, the levels of this really toxic stuff have actually measured pretty low, and you will probably find higher levels of stuff (I dunno, pesticide?) that is much more toxic.

More seriously, and finally: since the area we sail in is really on "the other side of the delta" from all this Microcystis talk, and since the levels in that area are not critically high anyway, it is probably safe to keep sailing.

I respect everyone doing important work on water quality and Ted for giving us a heads-up here, but as he himself has mentioned, we should keep the scale and location of the problem in perspective.

[afolander]

I found the following information a helpful benchmark.

http://co.humboldt.ca.us/health/envhealth/pressreleases/default.asp?title=Press+Releases&page=pressReleaseDetail.asp&ID=121

Date Released: 6/22/2007
Subject: BLUE GREEN ALGAE
Contact: Harriet Hill, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health Division
Phone: (707) 445-6215
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services is notifying recreational users of the South Fork Eel River, Big Lagoon, and other fresh water bodies to take precautions to avoid contact with blue green algae. Since 2001, there have been 9 dog deaths following contact with water bodies in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties which may have been caused by blue green algae poisoning. Five dogs died after swimming in Big Lagoon, while 4 dogs died after swimming in the South Fork Eel River. At least 2 of these dogs were found to have ingested blue green algae toxin. Over the past few years, high levels of the blue green algae Microcystis aeruginosa and its toxin have been detected in Copco and Irongate Reservoirs on the Klamath River in northern Siskiyou County. Much smaller amounts of these algae were present downstream in the Klamath River. There have been no reports of illness or other effects involving humans.

Blue-green algae can look like green, blue-green, white or brown scum, foam or mats floating on the water. Blue green algae “blooms” or large build-ups of algae can be triggered by low river flows, warm water, and high nutrient levels in the summer and fall. When algae cells die or are damaged, toxins may be released at levels dangerous to livestock, pets and humans if they drink the water or ingest the algae. Dogs may eat algae when licking their fur after swimming. Human impacts are infrequent because people usually do not drink open surface water, or swim in areas with lots of algae. However, swimmers or boaters elsewhere have experienced skin irritation, gastrointestinal disorders and allergic respiratory reactions from blue green algae contact. Children are most likely to accidentally ingest algae and water. Also, their small body weight means their exposures to blue green algae will be higher than adults, given the same amount of water intake

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following guidelines for recreational users of all freshwater areas in Humboldt County:

1. Keep pets and livestock from swimming in or drinking water containing algal scums or mats.
2. People should avoid wading and swimming in water containing algal scums, mats or blooms.
3. If no algal scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow any water.
4. Fish should be consumed only after removing the guts and liver and rinsing fillets in tap water.
5. Never drink or cook with water from rivers, streams or lakes. In addition to blue green algae, open surface waters can contain harmful bacteria and parasites.

Pets and livestock that swim in or drink river or lake water are most likely to be affected by blue-green algal toxins. Although there have been no reports of human illness in Humboldt County, people could be affected by the toxins. However, following the above precautions to avoid direct contact with algae should help prevent illnesses or other adverse reactions.

Algal blooms can be stimulated during warm weather by high concentrations of nutrients in the water. Human activities can have a big effect on nutrient flows into rivers, streams or lakes. Two important nutrients required by algae are phosphorous and nitrogen. These are found in animal waste, human waste (sewage), and fertilizers. Excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen may lead to “nutrient loading” and eventually to an algal bloom. People can take the following measures to reduce nutrient loading in our waters:

1. Be extremely cautious with the application of fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn or garden. Don’t over-water, over-fertilize, or use more than the recommended amount of pesticides.
2. Plant or maintain native plants around banks and shorelines. Native wetland and streamside plants help filter water and don’t require fertilizers or pesticides to stay healthy.
3. Operate and maintain your septic system properly. Poorly operated or damaged septic systems can increase nutrient loading into nearby water. Have your system pumped and inspected every 3-4 years
4. Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas. Do not allow livestock to wallow in rivers, streams or lakes. Don’t feed waterfowl.
5. Prevent erosion around construction and logging operations. Erosion can carry nutrient-rich soil into nearby water bodies.

SWIMMER’S ITCH

Swimmer’s Itch (schistosome dermatitis) is a common hazard for bathers during the warm summer months in some of the lakes and slow moving streams in Humboldt County.

Swimmer’s Itch occurs when a small parasite burrows under the skin of bathers. The parasite cannot survive in humans and does not infect us. The symptoms, which include tingling skin, moderate to severe itching, and small bumps or eruptions, usually become most intense after 2-3 days, after which they subside on their own. There are no long-term effects from Swimmer’s Itch. Sufferers may get relief from oral antihistamines or topical salves or ointments.

To avoid Swimmer’s Itch, swimmers in suspect waters should leave the water every ten minutes and vigorously towel dry. This will help remove the parasites before they burrow into the skin.

[afolander]

I think the following provides helpful context on algae concerns. A good read for all the Chicken Little's out there:

http://co.humboldt.ca.us/health/envhealth/pressreleases/default.asp?title=Press+Releases&page=pressReleaseDetail.asp&ID=121

Date Released: 6/22/2007
Subject: BLUE GREEN ALGAE
Contact: Harriet Hill, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health Division
Phone: (707) 445-6215
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services is notifying recreational users of the South Fork Eel River, Big Lagoon, and other fresh water bodies to take precautions to avoid contact with blue green algae. Since 2001, there have been 9 dog deaths following contact with water bodies in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties which may have been caused by blue green algae poisoning. Five dogs died after swimming in Big Lagoon, while 4 dogs died after swimming in the South Fork Eel River. At least 2 of these dogs were found to have ingested blue green algae toxin. Over the past few years, high levels of the blue green algae Microcystis aeruginosa and its toxin have been detected in Copco and Irongate Reservoirs on the Klamath River in northern Siskiyou County. Much smaller amounts of these algae were present downstream in the Klamath River. There have been no reports of illness or other effects involving humans.

Blue-green algae can look like green, blue-green, white or brown scum, foam or mats floating on the water. Blue green algae “blooms” or large build-ups of algae can be triggered by low river flows, warm water, and high nutrient levels in the summer and fall. When algae cells die or are damaged, toxins may be released at levels dangerous to livestock, pets and humans if they drink the water or ingest the algae. Dogs may eat algae when licking their fur after swimming. Human impacts are infrequent because people usually do not drink open surface water, or swim in areas with lots of algae. However, swimmers or boaters elsewhere have experienced skin irritation, gastrointestinal disorders and allergic respiratory reactions from blue green algae contact. Children are most likely to accidentally ingest algae and water. Also, their small body weight means their exposures to blue green algae will be higher than adults, given the same amount of water intake

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following guidelines for recreational users of all freshwater areas in Humboldt County:

1. Keep pets and livestock from swimming in or drinking water containing algal scums or mats.
2. People should avoid wading and swimming in water containing algal scums, mats or blooms.
3. If no algal scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow any water.
4. Fish should be consumed only after removing the guts and liver and rinsing fillets in tap water.
5. Never drink or cook with water from rivers, streams or lakes. In addition to blue green algae, open surface waters can contain harmful bacteria and parasites.

Pets and livestock that swim in or drink river or lake water are most likely to be affected by blue-green algal toxins. Although there have been no reports of human illness in Humboldt County, people could be affected by the toxins. However, following the above precautions to avoid direct contact with algae should help prevent illnesses or other adverse reactions.

Algal blooms can be stimulated during warm weather by high concentrations of nutrients in the water. Human activities can have a big effect on nutrient flows into rivers, streams or lakes. Two important nutrients required by algae are phosphorous and nitrogen. These are found in animal waste, human waste (sewage), and fertilizers. Excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen may lead to “nutrient loading” and eventually to an algal bloom. People can take the following measures to reduce nutrient loading in our waters:

1. Be extremely cautious with the application of fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn or garden. Don’t over-water, over-fertilize, or use more than the recommended amount of pesticides.
2. Plant or maintain native plants around banks and shorelines. Native wetland and streamside plants help filter water and don’t require fertilizers or pesticides to stay healthy.
3. Operate and maintain your septic system properly. Poorly operated or damaged septic systems can increase nutrient loading into nearby water. Have your system pumped and inspected every 3-4 years
4. Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas. Do not allow livestock to wallow in rivers, streams or lakes. Don’t feed waterfowl.
5. Prevent erosion around construction and logging operations. Erosion can carry nutrient-rich soil into nearby water bodies.

SWIMMER’S ITCH

Swimmer’s Itch (schistosome dermatitis) is a common hazard for bathers during the warm summer months in some of the lakes and slow moving streams in Humboldt County.

Swimmer’s Itch occurs when a small parasite burrows under the skin of bathers. The parasite cannot survive in humans and does not infect us. The symptoms, which include tingling skin, moderate to severe itching, and small bumps or eruptions, usually become most intense after 2-3 days, after which they subside on their own. There are no long-term effects from Swimmer’s Itch. Sufferers may get relief from oral antihistamines or topical salves or ointments.

To avoid Swimmer’s Itch, swimmers in suspect waters should leave the water every ten minutes and vigorously towel dry. This will help remove the parasites before they burrow into the skin.

[millermp]

I posted a similar thread on the original post, but this one seems more substantive.

We sailed at sherman with my wife yesterday from about 9 to 1pm. After five years of sailing, I don't recall feeling so physically lousy. Nothing changed from my past routine but I felt flu-like symptoms toward the end and felt it much worse as I was packing (feverish, aching joints, loss of coordination, general fatigue).

I was out of commission for the rest of the day. My wife is reporting similar symptoms.

And while I didn't really get a second look, I think I pulled something from my nose that looked like a green corn flake. I've picked nastier things out of there, so I didn't think twice, but I wish I had a better look.

Anyway, I doubt I'm going back to Sherman this year. It may be completley unrelated, but it's not worth the risk.

[afolander]

Here is another reference that seems much less dramatic than the original posts, "The Harmful Algae Page"

http://www.whoi.edu/redtide/species/species.html

where they state "Only a few dozen of the many thousands of species of microscopic and macroscopic algae are repeatedly associated with toxic or harmful blooms. Some species . . . produce potent toxins which are liberated when the algae are eaten."

I would find the alarmists more believable they had identified a known toxic species or measured actual toxins.

I've personally been sailing Sherman Island 5-6 days a week all summer and Access at least half that time with no ill effects. I've even had strings of algae get on my fin occasionally down at Access.

I would think that algae anywhere can be toxic including other sailing areas in the Bay. A nose plug is probably your best defense if you are really worried about this and want to sail.

[purple]

Here are some responses to Eileen's questions:

"Question- the article "CA Drinking Water and Environmental Services" says that "destruction/ lysis of the bacteria cells may release their toxins into the water"... don't all dead bacteria end up lysing... and don't bacteria live only a few minutes to a few days? So wouldn't there always be alot of the toxins in the water wherever the cyanobacteria are present?

These are blue green algae aka cyanobacteria that have somewhat different dynamics than regular bacteria. Yes, they do lyse and release their toxins, so there is always some free Microcystin near a bloom. However, the real problem is when there is a large-scale die-off (e.g. after a cold spell) that releases massive amounts of toxin.

"Question: And doesn't the water slosh around alot with the tides (I know the answer to that one). And isn't Antioch quite close to Sherman Island via the river? I'd take a guess that if you put a dye in the water at Antioch you'd see it at Sherman Island in less than an hour on a flood- at the playpen. And at the concentrations measured at Antioch- 1.3 million/ml.... and the article says 20,000/ml warrants beach warnings and may cause short term illness...."

Exactly right. The tides are very complex. One of the examples that I gave was that much of the water in Horsehoe Bend (edge of Windy Cove) actually comes from the San Joaquin River side. BTW, my crew noticed obvious blooms in the Playpen about 1.5 weeks ago, which was a big part of why I did this post in the first place.

"Comment: I just don't think you can go by the rule of thumb that if you don't see it you're safe... Or do the toxins make the water blueish/green? I got the impression the articles say that the cyanobacteria is blueish green- doesn't actually say if the toxins are visible... But either way- I think that at a concentration that high- 1.3 mill./ml....and the constantly moving water... and the toxins enter the body via skin as well as orally- it sounds pretty risky."

You are right, just because you can't see it doesn't mean you are safe. However, if you do see it, you know that things are bad. Again, everyone has to make their own decisions about how much risk they are willing to accept. Several sailors have already posted their experiences with rashes and flu-like symptoms, which is consistent with exposure to toxic blooms, which suggests to me that Sherman Island is not risk-free.

Ted

[izitwindy?]

You know.....a picture is worth a thousand words...If you saw blooms 1.5 weeks ago, isn't it likely tht this issue was resident in the Delta weeks before? Can anyone post a picture of what these blooms look like? I know you don't have to see them for the risk to be there but it might be useful to know what to look out for....

Also,

When will the health department get involved because we wind whores are not the only ones swimming around in these waters! As of this past Tuesday, there are still no warning signs on the river and guys were going out in nothing more than board shorts and a Harness....It IS Naked August after all!

[izitwindy?]

correction...Its BARE September......Naked August has passed......still warm enough to sail in shorts!

[johnl]

It's funny, when I first saw these post, the usual health panic set in and I figured Sherman was done for the year. Well then I started doing some online research and I can't find ANY health warnings for the area. So if it is that unhealthy wouldn't there be at least notices??? In Monterey and in the Bay when the bacteria count gets high, there are notices posted.

As for unhealthy, no news there. The river is a drainage for all the farms, so you know some stuff is in the water. Then look at the bay, Pt. Isabel used to be a battery dump or something years ago. They had to turn over the ground and clean it because it was toxic (I live at Marina Bay and there are cancer notices on our grounds). Candlestick is far from clean.

Then some people said Maui was "clean". Talk to the lifeguards. There is a water treatment plant RIGHT next to the water that drains into the water. When I cut myself there last summer (big crash, not a reef cut) they said to make sure I clean it very well or it will get infected from the water.

The bottom line is that most places are far from "health" for us to be in.

Hmmm, blowing upper 20's at Sherman. I wonder.........