SANTA ROSA, Calif. – A public workshop on freshwater harmful algal blooms in North Coast waterways will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, in Santa Rosa, hosted by the staff of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The workshop will discuss monitoring, assessment and response strategies for freshwater cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABS), and provide information on the prevalence and effects of cyanoHABs.

The workshop will be held at the Regional Water Board’s headquarters, 5550 Skylane Blvd, Suite A, Santa Rosa, 95403.

Agencies and entities responsible for drinking water, public health, and recreational water safety in the North Coast Region are encouraged to attend. Members of the general public are welcome.

Algae and cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue green algae, are natural components of healthy marine and fresh water ecosystems.

Under certain water quality conditions algae and cyanobacteria can rapidly multiply, causing nuisance “blooms.”

A small number of cyanobacteria species are capable of producing toxins that can be harmful to animals and humans; however, not all blooms include these toxin-producing cyanobacteria.

CyanoHABs are of special concern because of their potential impacts to drinking water, recreation in lakes and rivers, and effects on fish, domesticated animals and wildlife.

In recent years, there has been an increased frequency and severity of cyanoHABs around the world, including the North Coast Region.

The Regional Water Board has received reports of nuisance blooms and algal scums, animal illnesses, and on occasion, human health impacts within the North Coast.

The risk factors that contribute to cyanoHABs and nuisance blooms include nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) enriched waters, warming climate, and lower flows. 

The Regional Water Board is working to reduce risk factors through its water quality improvement programs. However, there is a current need to manage cyanoHAB blooms through improved monitoring, assessment and increased educational outreach; topics that will be discussed at the workshop.

For additional information or questions about the public workshop, please contact Katharine Carter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-576-2290.

For more information on cyanobacteria and algal blooms, visit http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/monitoring_council/cyanohab_network/index.shtml .