Moapa Valley Progress
Jump back in, the water’s fine!
That was the word last week from the National Park Service regarding the water at the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. Last week, the Park Service lifted a no-swim advisory in the area after lab results showed no toxin producers were found in the water.
Park officials had issued an advisory on June 8 after a foamy substance, and around 25 dead carp, were observed across an 8-mile stretch of the northern part of the lake. It apparently had generated from the Virgin River confluence and stretched as far as Echo Bay.
But the advisory was lifted on Wednesday, June 12 after investigation into the foam had deemed that it was nontoxic. Park service officials say they have still not determined what the substance was.
“While we haven’t received anything definitive as to the cause, we have reasonably evaluated the situation,” said Christie Vanover, park spokesperson. “Through all the scientific investigation, nothing dangerous to humans has been found.”
The National Park Service worked with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to test the water and conduct field observations. All water samples tested in the normal range for water temperature, specific conductance, pH and dissolved oxygen values. The foam appeared to be made up of proteins released from the dead algae.
“It is unclear if the fish die-off was related to the foam,” said Vanover. “The foam does seem to be dissipating and no recently dead fish have been found. We will continue to observe the area with routine patrols.”
The incident occurred during a time that has traditionally been busy on the northern end of the Lake. It affected one major event that was to be held last weekend in the Overton Arm. The Nevada INT League, known as the “Little League of Watersports” was scheduled to bring its Wake Series to the Echo Bay area on June 14-15. Park officials expected this event to bring about 100 participants and their families to the area. But early in the week, in view of the swimming advisory, the organization opted for a change in venue holding the event in Newberry Springs, California instead. The organization is scheduled to hold additional events at Echo Bay later this summer.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our visitors,” Vanover said. “Our first priority is always visitor safety.”
