Based on a report of blue-green algae on Stillwater NWR, the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is issuing a “HAB Watch” which is the lowest health advisory when it is suspected that a HAB may be present. This advisory cautions recreators that harmful algae may be present in the water. Since the initial report did not include a location, the "Watch" will include each unit in the hunt area north of Division Road.
Please be extra cautious with your dogs. It is impossible to keep them from drinking the water and they are more sensitive to the toxins produced by the algae. We recommend leaving them at home for the time being.
We’ll be collecting samples for testing on October 10, but do not expect to have any results for several weeks. We're nearing the end of the HAB season as things cool down, and 30 days after a negative test or if it freezes (the race is on...) they will take us off the watch list.
For more info on HAB, please visit NDEP’s website at: https://ndep.nv.gov/water/rivers-streams-lakes/water-quality-monitoring/harmful-algalbloom-program
To track our HAB status, you can check their weekly report here: https://ndep.nv.gov/water/rivers-streams-lakes/water-quality-monitoring/harmful-algalbloom-program/hab-data
or the Nevada Office of State Epidemiology HAB Dashboard at: https://nvose.org/programs/environmental-health/harmful-algal-blooms-eh/