Hab
I am concerned and perplexed by the decision to limit Swim Advisory notifications for Lake Anna based on the elimination of cell counts of cyanobacteria as a primary trigger for issuing the Advisory.
Historically, elevated cell counts, in conjunction with visual observations and cyanotoxin testing, have served as important indicators of potential HAB risks. The issuance of a swim advisory based on high cell counts, which is the precursor to a toxic bloom, the public was then able to make informed decisions regarding when and where to recreate in the lake.
The recently proposed HAB Advisory Protocol, removing cell counts as a primary trigger, will essentially eliminate the “warning”, delaying public notification of conditions that in themselves could cause minor sickness to animals and humans, but moreover leading to the condition where the “warning” will be issued after toxins are present, and sickness or worse from exposure to the toxins could have already occurred. Have we not learned anything from the EColi issue experienced during the Memorial day weekend of 2024?
I live on Lake Anna in the effected areas where high cyanobacteria counts commonly occur in the heat of summer. I know first hand the value of cell counts as an early indicator of potential HAB risks and the need for a comprehensive advisory protocol that considers multiple lines of evidence, including cell counts, visual observations, and toxin testing.
This issue for Lake Anna and other freshwater lakes in Virginia is not going to go away or in any way be mitigated by changing the testing and notification protocols. Please rethink this approach before we have an issue that everyone regrets. We must continue to fund the required testing, and notifications that result from it, and while we are at it, a mitigation strategy that is appropriate for the HAB issue the state is facing. In this way you will also be protecting this valuable resource that brings tens of millions of tourism and real estate tax dollars to the state and local governments.