By Emily Wood
 
July 2, 2009
 
COPCO LAKE Ca. - Officials have issued a health advisory for two Siskiyou County lakes because of toxic blue-green algae blooms.
 
The California Water Board and the Environmental Protection Agency are warning water users not swim or come in close contact with the algae blooms in Copco and Iron Gate reservoirs along the Klamath River. Both lakes are located behind Copco One and Iron Gate dams. The algae blooms are caused by warm, still water trapped behind the dams. The blooms are a neon green, thick ooze that coats the edges of the lake. The EPA says the algae can cause eye irritation, itchy skin, nausea and vomiting.
 
Environmental groups and the Karuk Tribe say the toxic blooms are another symptom of a dammed river.
 
"The science is pretty clear that dam removal is a very effective way to solve the algae problem," said Malena Marvin with environmental group Klamath Riverkeeper.
 
Some are not concerned, however.
 
"I've read the EPA reports about the possibility of irritation of the skin, and quite frankly, for the limited contact you have with it, I don't feel concerned about it at all," Vacationer Tim Ericsen said.