WARNING ECHO BAY!!

[stripercraze]

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA News Release
For Immediate Release: June 8, 2013
Release No.: 2013-41
Contacts:
Christie Vanover, National Park Service, 702-283-2344
Bronson Mack, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 702-249-5518
LAKE MEAD OFFICIALS ADVISE VISITORS TO AVOID SWIMMING IN OVERTON ARM
BOULDER CITY, Nev. – A foamy substance and a number of dead carp have been observed in the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. The substance appeared to be coming from the mouth of the Virgin River and spanned approximately eight miles down to Echo Bay.
“Until we know for sure what is creating the foam and what is causing the fish to die, we advise people to stay out of the water in the Overton Arm,” said Christie Vanover, park spokesperson.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority is working with the National Park Service to acquire water samples. SNWA continues to monitor water quality at its two water treatment facilities. SNWA utilizes ozonation in its water treatment process -- ozonation breaksdown toxins and eliminates contaminates.
SNWA officials said drinking water delivered to Southern Nevadans will continue to meet or surpass the standards of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
A map of Lake Mead identifying the Overton Arm can be downloaded at [url "http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/upload/OvertonArm_20110101_small_file.pdf"]http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/upload/OvertonArm_20110101_small_file.pdf[/url].
-NPS-
[signature]

[Sil240sxrwd]

Hmmm. I wonder what it is.
[signature]

[BillyH]

I have seen this the last two weekends out there. Didnt think much of the foamy substance, its just small patches (2"-3") scattered across the surface and mostly on the west side. Have seen about 15 dead carp though, open water and in coves. It will be interesting what they come back with, if anything, on the source.

Unfortunately at the rate the water is dropping if it goes down another 2 ft you may not be able to launch out of the marina. Its a tight squeeze getting by the marina now. But the concrete driveway on the east side of the marina is out of the water so you can launch there, assuming you can get all the people parked there out of your way, just no dock.
[signature]

[Fishstalkeral]

More man made destruction!
Another blow to our lake, what next?
[signature]

[iamthesmf]

[inline "Echo Marina.jpg"]

Not much room to get out thru the marina but if you take the road just left of there you can launch. There is a concrete ramp, only problem is there is no boat dock.
[signature]

[lvfishingdude]

It really hurts to see what echo bay has become
[signature]

[wolfs4evr]

Dito!
[signature]

[Erawk]

Swim advisory lifted.

http://www.nps.gov/lake/parknews/advisory-lifted.htm

Date: June 12, 2013
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior


LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA News Release


For Immediate Release: June 12, 2013
Release No.: 2013-43
Contacts:
Christie Vanover, National Park Service, 702-283-2344
Bronson Mack, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 702-249-5518
Edwin Lyngar, Nevada Department of Wildlife, 775-741-1004


SWIMMING ADVISORY LIFTED AT LAKE MEAD, NO TOXINS FOUND


BOULDER CITY, Nev. – Swimmers are welcome back in the water at the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. The National Park Service lifted the no-swim advisory after lab results showed no toxin producers were found in the water.


Park officials issued the precautionary advisory June 8 after a foamy substance and around 25 dead carp were observed across an 8-mile stretch of the northern part of the lake.


“While we haven't received anything definitive as to the cause, we have reasonably evaluated the situation,” said Christie Vanover, park spokesperson. “Through all the scientific investigation, nothing dangerous to humans has been found.”


The National Park Service worked with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to test the water and conduct field observations.


Along with issuing a swimming advisory, the National Park Service and SNWA increased monitoring at water intake and treatment facilities. There were no noted concerns with incoming water quality. Water temperature, specific conductance, pH and dissolved oxygen values were all within the usual values for this region of the lake. Water samples were free of microcystis algae and no toxins were found. Foam samples contained non-toxic, common freshwater algae, especially diatoms. Most of the diatoms were dead, and the foam appeared to be made up of proteins released from the dead algae.


“It is unclear if the fish die-off was related to the foam,” said Vanover. “The foam does seem to be dissipating and no recently dead fish have been found. We will continue to observe the area with routine patrols."


If people see obvious patches of foam that haven't yet dissipated, it is best to avoid them.


“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our visitors. Our first priority is always visitor safety,” Vanover added.


-NPS-
[signature]