Toxin advisory issued for Keyhole

A toxin advisory has been issued for Keyhole Reservoir due to harmful levels of cyanotoxins present in the water.

A harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HCB) is described by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as an abundance of a substance that is always present in surface waters at low levels and play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem, but can bloom into a harmful overabundance.

Cyanobacteria is able to produce toxins and other irritants that can have harmful health effects to people and animals, including pets and livestock.

Exposure can take place through skin contact, breathing in water spray or ingesting water or bloom material, and the effects can range from rashes and itching to numbness, fatigue, disorientation, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

Extreme cases can lead to death in wildlife, pets and livestock. Fish kills can also occur due to the depleted oxygen levels, and blooms can also affect drinking water supplies and agriculture.

A bloom can look like blue-green scum, grass clippings or spilled paint on the surface of the water, or can alternatively be suspended in the water column or attached to rocks, sediments or plants.

DEQ recommends avoiding contact with water in the area of the bloom, especially where the cyanobacteria is dense and forms scums. Do not ingest water, even if boiled or filtered, as this will not remove the toxins.

Rinse fish and eat only the fillet portion. Do not allow animals to drink water near the bloom, eat bloom material or lick their fur after contact.

Avoid water spray from the bloom and, if you or an animal comes into contact, rinse with clean water and contact a doctor or vet.