No toxic algae detected at Cherry Creek Reservoir as CPW continues to urge caution around blooms this summer

DENVER – Recreation at Cherry Creek Reservoir

Caution Advised Due to Presence of Blue-Green Algae

People looking to recreate at Cherry Creek Reservoir are urged to continue exercising caution if going into the water this weekend. Although the latest testing by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) showed no toxic algae present at the reservoir, there were still blooms of blue-green algae present during Friday’s sample testing. While some activities are allowed at this time near the marina and West Shades, there is a bloom present at the West Shades area. “If in doubt, stay out,” officials have previously told Denver7.

The latest updated map of toxic algae conditions from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) shows that Red Rock Lake in Colorado’s Western Slope, Road Canyon Reservoir in southwestern Colorado, Deweese Reservoir near Colorado Springs, and Barr Lake are all currently closed to recreation due to elevated levels of microcystin, an algal toxin which can cause liver damage in humans and kill pets who drink contaminated water.

What to do if you or your pet comes into contact with blue-green algae

• Algae are an important part of aquatic food webs, but some types of blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) are capable of producing toxins that may cause negative health impacts for humans and pets at elevated concentrations, CPW officials said.
• If your dog gets into a harmful bloom, health officials advise that you rinse your pet off immediately with fresh, clean water. If you, a friend, or a family member come into contact with the bloom, immediately wash with soap and water.
• If your pet has been poisoned by the algae, it’ll show symptoms anywhere from 15 minutes to several days, including diarrhea or vomiting, weakness or staggering, drooling, difficulty breathing, and convulsions or seizures, according to health officials.
• If your pets are exposed to the water and experience those symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately, as these toxic algae can kill your pet.
• Humans poisoned by the algae could develop a skin irritation, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and a sore throat. Exposure to these toxins can also harm a person’s liver and kidneys and affect their neurological systems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How you can play your part to mitigate toxic algae blooms

• While algal blooms are common in the summer when water temperatures rise, there are some things you can do to not make them worse, state health officials say.
• Picking up after your pet and properly disposing of their waste prevents nutrients found in excrement (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) from entering waterways, which contribute to algae blooms.
• Refraining from using too much fertilizer is also one way in which algal blooms can be kept at bay.
• If using de-icers, make sure they don’t contain urea (this information will be on the de-icer bag), health officials said.

To learn more about blue-green algae, head to the CDPHE’s website.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Indicator: Presence of toxic algae in water bodies.

2. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Indicator: Closure of recreational areas due to elevated levels of algal toxins.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 15: Life on Land.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

– Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.

– Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The presence of toxic algae in water bodies is an indicator for Target 6.3, and the closure of recreational areas due to elevated levels of algal toxins is an indicator for Target 15.1.

The article specifically mentions toxic algae blooms in Cherry Creek Reservoir and other water bodies, which indicates water pollution and the need for improved water quality. The closure of recreational areas due to elevated levels of algal toxins demonstrates the impact on terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

Therefore, the presence of toxic algae and the closure of recreational areas serve as indicators to measure progress towards the targets under SDG 6 and SDG 15.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: denver7.com

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