NMED encouraging visitors to exercise caution
CATRON AND RIO ARRIBA COUNTIES — Visitors to Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake are being urged to use caution due to the formation of harmful algae blooms. NMED is urging visitors to take the following precautions:
As always, do not drink untreated surface water
Avoid swimming in algae blooms
Rinse fish with clean water prior to cooking thoroughly and eat only the fillet portion
Keep pets and livestock out of the water and rinse them with clean water if contact occurs
Avoid algae deposited on the shoreline and do not let animals eat it
Supervise children and pets, as they are more likely to ingest water and algae
If you suspect an algae-related illness, call the New Mexico Poison Information Center at (800) 222-1222. For illness in animals call (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661
Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain algae overgrow in water, posing potential health risk to people and animals. They can appear blue, bright green, brown, or red and resemble scum or floating grass clippings on the water's surface. They can produce toxins. HABs and the toxins they can produce are classified as "contaminants of emerging concern," meaning that more research is needed.
NMED is actively monitoring lake conditions within available resources. There are certain things you can do to stay safe and healthy. NMED recommends that if the water smells bad or looks scummy, like grass clippings floating on the surface, thick like paint or pea-green, blue-green, or brownish red in color, it's best to stay out ("when in doubt, stay out").
More information about HABs can be found on NMED's HABs Webpage, in NM Department of Health (NMDOH) HABs Human Health and Animal Health factsheets, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's Fishing During HABs website.
