Blue-green algae found in Oliver Lake

With the chill of autumn approaching, one of Oliver Reservoir’s busiest summers is drawing to a close.

Oliver Reservoir has had an abundant amount of water this summer. This surge in water levels is due to a snow runoff that happened back in March of 2014. The area suffered flooding and many were taking trips to Oliver merely to witness the water levels rise.

As a result of the heightened water levels, Oliver attracted quite the summer crowd. Several people ventured out to camp and participate in water sports.

“We’ve had large crowds this summer, which has been great. After we had that snow runoff back in March, we had a rise in water levels and then we had a lot of people coming out to enjoy everything,”South Platte NRD General Manager Rod Horn said.

With the influx of people and boat traffic happening in the area, the staff over at Oliver have been working hard to keep the area looking presentable and in good shape.

“Everyone over there has been keeping up with the litter pick up, and there have been docks added. The city of Kimball is cooperating with us, allowing us to take trash out to the dump. I’ve heard good things about the lavatories, that they’re well stocked and clean. So there is a definite effort being made to make Oliver a place where people can enjoy themselves,” Horn said.

The next big holiday for Oliver Reservoir will be Labor Day. Most people like to venture out to the lake in order to participate in water related recreation. Unfortunately, this Labor Day lake goers will have to remain confined to the shores.

“Currently there is a restriction on swimming in Oliver. It’s not currently permitted due to some tests we got back that show positive results for blue-green algae,” Horn said.

Blue-green algae are also known as Cyanobacteria or “pond scum”. They are a group of photosynthetic bacteria that generally appear to be blue-green in color, but they can also render to be blue, green, reddish-purple or brown. These particular algae tend to grow in ponds, lakes and slow-moving streams that are warm and rich with phosphorus or nitrogen.

“We do weekly testing of the water to be sure we understand what is going on with the water and to make sure the people who venture out there will be safe,” Horn said.

As a result of their weekly testing, the SPNRD has determined that swimming and other water sports that involve contact with the water should be avoided.

“Anything that could involve full-body immersion in the water or result in the ingestion of water should not be done,” Horn said.

Blue-green algae have quite an effect on humans. The results of exposure to blue-green algae are stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. If any of the aforementioned symptoms occur after a visit to Oliver Reservoir, or any body of water, a doctor should be contacted. The blue-green algae does not affect humans alone, dogs can also experience some adverse effects from this “pond scum.”

“Animals, such as dogs, should really stay out of the water. They are much more sensitive to the effects of the blue-green algae. Depending on how much exposure to the algae they’ve had, they could potentially die from it. So it is very important that the dogs stay out of the water as well,” Horn said.

Dogs who have been exposed to this algae will exhibit similar symptoms that humans display including vomiting and/or diarrhea. Another symptom of exposure in dogs is that of seizures. A veterinarian should be contacted right away if a dog displays these symptoms after being in contact with the surface water.

The blue-green algae are, unfortunately, here for a while until the SPNRD can find a way to rid Oliver Reservoir of the nuisance or, at least, reduce it to non-toxic levels.

“We are doing research to try and determine how to approach the situation and see how we can make the lake safe for swimming once more,” Horn said.

Blue-green algae is already a common concern within ponds and lakes. Due to its growth within high nutrient and warm bodies of water,Oliver was a prime location for the growth. The phosphorus and nitrogen needed for the growth of blue-green algae can be obtained from soil and foliage that wash into the water. Due to the runoff of melting snow being the source of most of Oliver’s water this year, it is not surprising that Oliver saw this blue-green algae make an appearance.

“We don’t want people to think that Oliver Reservoir isn’t a recreation spot anymore. It is still a very good place for camping and other shore related activities. People and their pets should just be sure to avoid the water,” Horn said.

Horn was unable to provide a timeframe for when Oliver will once again be able to entertain swimmers and other water sports, however, he and his staff are working hard to try to come up with a solution for the blue-green algae issue.

“We want people to be able to enjoy Oliver, so we hope they continue to visit the grounds while we address the blue-green algae and what to do about it,” Horn said.