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Cyanobacteria and Drinking Water Supplies

Cyanobacteria and Drinking Water Supplies. Cyanobacteria – An Emerging Issue. 2.7 billion years Microscopic Organisms Blue-green Algae Many Different Types Found in All Water Bodies Usually Found in Low Numbers. Increased Concentrations May Create Problem Blooms. Low Water Flow

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Cyanobacteria and Drinking Water Supplies

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  1. Cyanobacteria and Drinking Water Supplies

  2. Cyanobacteria – An Emerging Issue • 2.7 billion years • Microscopic Organisms • Blue-green Algae • Many Different Types • Found in All Water Bodies • Usually Found in Low Numbers

  3. Increased Concentrations May Create Problem Blooms • Low Water Flow • Warm Summer & Early Fall • Water Temperatures • Nitrogen & Phosphorus Enter the Water • Taste and Odor Problems for PWS • Public Health Concerns for Humans & Pets • Cells May Contain Toxin

  4. Health Concerns Depend Upon: • Type of Exposure • Concentrations of Cyanobacteria Species & Toxins Present

  5. Routes of Exposure in DW • Skin Contact • Toxins are released when the cells are ingested and they break down in the stomach. • After an algae bloom ends and the organisms die, the toxins are released into the water where they can be directly ingested.

  6. Symptoms From Exposure • Skin Rash • Numb lips • Tingling fingers & toes • Dizziness • Abdominal pain • Diarrhea • Vomiting

  7. Symptoms from Exposure • Elevated Levels of Toxin: Can cause serious damage to liver, kidneys, nervous system • Deaths in Animals (dogs) Have Occurred in Massachusetts At Recreational Waters

  8. Cyanobacteria Blooms Are Tricky • Can occur at different depths • Location varies based on wind direction, depth of water body, etc. • Confirmation of cyanobacteria can only be made by observing cells under a microscope. • Cyanobacteria can develop toxins at any time. • Confirmation of toxins in cyanobacteria cells can only be made using analytical laboratory tests.

  9. There are no uniform procedures for sampling, performing cell counts, or treating cyanobacteria impacted waters. • Some DW Treatment Plant Processes Are Effective In Removing Some Cells and/or Some Toxins

  10. Cyanobacteria are not regulated by EPA or by Massachusetts. • U.S. EPA - UCMR4

  11. More Cyanobacteria Blooms Are Expected As Climate Change Results in Warmer Water Temperatures & Periodic Drought (Low Flow) Conditions.

  12. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Blooms appear to be increasing along the coasts and in freshwaters.

  13. Cyanobacteria Strategies 1. Be Aware of Issue 2. Implement Source Water Protection for Prevention 3. Plan Ahead for Cyanobacteria Blooms in Your ER Plan

  14. 1. Strategy: Awareness of Issue • PWS Experience • MassDEP Fact sheet • MassDEP Guidance • Discuss with Public

  15. 2. Strategy: Source Water Protection Agriculture Golf Courses Other Reduce nitrogen and phosphorus flowing through the watershed to the reservoir from land uses such as: • Septic Systems • Lawn/Gardens • Dog Waste

  16. Source Water Protection • Fact sheets that address these topics and many others are located on MassDEP’s web site at www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/drinking/source-water-protection-for-drinking-water-supplies.html.

  17. 3. Strategy: Plan for Blooms in ER Plan • MassDEP survey • Vulnerability of surface water to blooms • Include information in ER Plan

  18. Groups Working on Cyanobacteria • MassDEP Drinking Water Program • Other MassDEP Programs • Mass. Department of Public Health • Other NE States & NY • U.S. EPA • American Water Works Association • Boards of Health • Universities

  19. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Project • Public ground water wells under the influence of surface waters. • Are there impacts to the well when the surface water has a cyanobacteria bloom? • Identify owners of surface waters. • Write new fact sheet to raise awareness of issue. • Encourage communication between PWS with well & owner of the surface water.

  20. MassDEP Contacts • WERO Kim Longridge (or Deirdre Doherty) • CERO Bob Bostwick • NERO Nick Zessoules (or Tom Mahin) • SERO Rick Rondeau • Boston Kathy Romero

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