The Friends of the Shenandoah River Laboratory sampled the Masters Drive Pond on August 21, 2019 with the following results: For reference/comparison to EPA or VADEQ Guidelines: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb.
There is a presence of Microcystin in the pond, but at levels significantly below EPA/VADEQ Recreational (Swimming, Boating, Other Water Use) Standards. EPA’s May 2019 Recommended Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Microcystin establish 8 ppb as the recommended protective human standard. VADEQ currently uses 6 ppb for this same criteria. All pond readings on August 21, 2019 ranged from 0.0-2.5 ppb with the highest level located in the actual bloom area/algal mat (Samples C & D) at a range of 1.0-2.5 ppb.
As an extra precaution and for comparison, EPA’s most restrictive Drinking Water Standard (children under 6 years of age) is set at 0.3 ppb with 1.6 ppb as the adult guideline. As mentioned above, our range of results do exceed EPA’s Drinking Water Standard for Microcystin, for humans. Please use the precautionary measures mentioned in the attached Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Animal Safety Alert to ensure the safety of your pets. Generally speaking, the forecast for cooler weather and rain should help dissipate the bloom.
Attached you will find the FOS Results and CDC information regarding pet exposure to Blue Green Algal Blooms (Cyanobacteria Blooms)
