Good riddance, cylindrospermopsin

Recent water samples at Sculpture Falls show that the levels of cylindrospermopsin, the toxin produced by blue-green algae, “have fallen well below EPA guidance values for recreational use.” Translation: It’s safe to go back in the water again. The city cautions that “the higher toxin levels or a different cyanotoxin will return without warning in the future,” so use caution and “avoid swimming if the water is warm, if it appears stagnant, if there’s scum or film on the water or if there are mats of algae.” This recommendation also holds true for other natural bodies of water. As well, “avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rainfall when bacteria levels tend to be higher.” As for dogs, the advice is: better safe than sorry. “Although there does not appear to be any immediate risk to dogs, dog owners may want to keep their pets away from the water. The harmful algae could quickly return without warning, and dogs are more susceptible to some toxins, and several have died when exposed.”