Avondale, Fernan lakes under health advisories

Public health advisories for Avondale and Fernan lakes were issued Monday.

The Panhandle Health District, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, said recent water sampling by DEQ indicates the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as a harmful algal bloom, throughout both lakes and along the shorelines. 

The public is urged to use caution when recreating in or near the water at Avondale and Fernan lakes if the appearance of a HAB is present.

A similar advisory was also recently issued for the north end of Hayden Lake.

HABs have the potential to produce dangerous toxins, the release said.

Pets, children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk of harmful exposure.

"The public should take precaution throughout the lakes as HABs can spread and move with wind and water traffic," a press release said.

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of Idaho’s water bodies. When temperatures rise, their populations can bloom and toxic chemical compounds, or cyanotoxins, can be released into the water, the release said.

Idaho’s active HAB advisories are listed here: www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories

    Harmful algal bloom floats on the surface of Avondale Lake in August.