Health Warning in Delta

afolander · Joined: 22 Jul 2002 Posts: 74

I would think if this was a 'toxic' algae variety that the health department would need to take a sample and either measure toxic compounds or confirm under a microscope that it is one of several specific species known to produce toxins prior to putting signs up.

Arrgh · Joined: 05 May 1998 Posts: 864 Location: Rio

Well, it's always something wherever you go. I've been sailing Sherman Island for the past six years, almost exclusively, and have had zero problems. And I find the warm water, steady winds and laid back atmosphere too nice to pass up. Gotta go. It's blowing 24mph. Very Happy

fearlu · Joined: 30 Apr 1997 Posts: 155

Amen brutha'...
SICK day today, eh?

ERROR!!! · Joined: 26 Feb 1998 Posts: 170 Location: East Bay

About two weeks ago, I had flu-like symptoms a couple of times and I wondered what was causing it. Now I suspect the Delta water. I decided to take a break (or sail Berkeley). Hopefully, the recent cool weather has solved the problem. I'm ready to visit Sherman Island again. Will there be any new testing to check on whether the situation is better now?

Arrgh · Joined: 05 May 1998 Posts: 864 Location: Rio

afolander · Joined: 22 Jul 2002 Posts: 74

There is a creek in Antioch emptying into the rive that I like taking my dogs too that always seems full of algae. They have never gotten ill, but gee wiz, I'm really worried now. I wonder if Dr. Ted can test this algae for us too.

On a more serious note, I contacted an aquaintance of mine that works at one of the Delta pumping stations in Byron. He says that this time of year the San Joaquin river flows backwards so that water can be pumped to Southern CA.

If the algae around Sherman Island is toxic, why is that the regular sailers there are not getting ill after sailing there day after day?

Arrgh · Joined: 05 May 1998 Posts: 864 Location: Rio

nogybe · Joined: 15 Apr 2000 Posts: 5

At least Dr. Ted is looking out for us ...

The algae story finally made the papers. Found this on the web today purportedly from the September 14 edition of the Stockton Record. You can read it yourself at:

http://ww.pennnet.com/News/Display_News_Story.cfm?Section=WireNews&SubSection=HOME&NewsID=151864

If the story is accurate Contra Costa County officials did nothing. San Joaquin County officials made an attempt to warn boaters before Labor Day by posting signs at the marinas. I guess there aren't enough windsurfers to worry about.

If this is the way we are treated there may be even less Sad

dalilama2 · Joined: 28 Jul 2001 Posts: 2

Might be a coincidence but..........................I was nursing a chronic sinus infection and chronic conjunctivitis with ear involvement during the whole season from windsurfing at Coyote Point. Granted I do spend my share of time in the water................Has anyone else been effected in this manner ???????? Does anyone know about the water quality of the bay in this region?

HoodRiverDave · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 6

I sailed Sherman Island last Sunday 5/18/08 and on Wednesday had a ear infection (entered through the sinus cavity according Dr) to beat all.

Wondering if anyone else suffered a similar fate?

I just need to learn not to fall.