Health advisories issued for Lake Lowell, Van Wyck boat ramp on Lake Cascade

CANYON COUNTY, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare issued health advisories on Friday for two water bodies after detecting harmful algal blooms.

The advisories affect Lake Lowell in Canyon County, located five miles southwest of Nampa, and the Van Wyck Boat Ramp area on Lake Cascade in Valley County. The boat ramp sits on the southeast side of Lake Cascade.

Recent water samples from both locations showed high levels of toxin-producing cyanobacteria. The toxins, called cyanotoxins, can cause illness in humans and animals.

Health officials are urging people to avoid swimming, wading or any contact with the water at both locations. They particularly warn that children should not drink the water or get it on their skin.

Pet and livestock owners should prevent their animals from drinking or entering the contaminated water. If animals do come into contact with the water, officials recommend washing their skin, hide or fur with clean water immediately.

The department warns against drinking or cooking with the affected water, noting that boiling or filtering does not remove the toxins and may increase health risks.

People who choose to eat fish from these waters should clean and wash them thoroughly in uncontaminated water, remove all fat, skin and internal organs before cooking.

Exposure symptoms can include rash, hives, red eyes, breathing difficulties, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, muscle weakness and dizziness. Severe cases may cause liver damage, resulting in yellowed skin and dark urine.

Anyone experiencing symptoms after water contact should consult a healthcare provider or call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

Cyanobacteria occur naturally in Idaho’s water bodies but can bloom when temperatures rise. The blooms may appear as mats, foam, surface scum or spilled paint and often produce foul odors..

The department will notify the public when the advisories are lifted. Updates are available on the department’s recreational health advisory map and website.