Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (cyanoHABs) (also known as blue-green algae) have been steadily increasing in severity and frequency in surface water bodies nationwide, including Idaho. Cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can cause illness or death in wildlife, livestock, domestic animals, and humans.
Currently, neither the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nor the State of Idaho have regulations in place that establish cyanotoxin monitoring requirements or maximum contaminant levels for public drinking water systems (PWSs). The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is aware that the lack of regulations or clear understanding of the appropriate response to cyanoHAB occurrences has caused confusion for PWS owners, operators, and water users.
Beginning the month of December 2021, DEQ will be providing a monthly educational email to the designated operator and administrative contacts for PWSs utilizing surface water sources. This monthly email will provide you with information on a specific cyanoHAB topic, links to templates and educational resources, training opportunities, regulatory updates, and reports of active blooms in Idaho water bodies.
