Category: news

Water advisory for Lady Bird Lake

Update : 2019-08-14 See the City of Austin page on the expanded area affected by the cyanobacteria and their neurotoxins.

As the summer air temperature continues to heat up, so does the surface water temperature.

The increased water temperature, coupled with decreased water through-flow, and consequent nutrient build-up, result in algal blooms. Normally, these are harmless … unsightly and a bit smelly.

At the moment, Lady Bird Lake seems to be having a problem with cyanobacteria (so-called “blue-green algae”). Two genera, in particular, Anabaena and Microcystis, produce neurotoxic compounds, at times.

Anabaena flos-aquae, aquatic cyanobacterium
Anabaena flos-aquae, an aquatic cyanobacterium, is capable of producing powerful neurotoxins. Photo credit to US EPA 2007.

While we await the results of testing by the City of Austin, an advisory has been issued for dogs (dogs are permitted to swim in these waters; humans are not).

With the exception of Barton Creek, nearer to the pool than to the river, you might re-consider going into the water or splashing river water onto your face (keep it out of your eyes and out of your mouth). Individuals with known sensitivity to these compounds should be especially aware.

Microcystis aeruginosa, aquatic cyanobacterium
Microcystis aeruginosa, an aquatic cyanobacterium, is capable of producing powerful neurotoxins. Photo credit to Kristian Peters.

See? Those hundred of hours of environmental engineering coursework back in graduate school might have learnt me a thing or two. 😉

Notice of Annual Business Meeting

On Sunday 05 May, at 1100 hrs at the Waller Creek Boathouse, Austin OCC, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, will hold its annual business meeting.

At that time, election of the leadership for the next year will take place. Members in good standing (i.e, dues paid-up) are eligible to vote.

Members who cannot attend the meeting can appoint a proxy in writing or can e-mail your vote to our secretary, Joy Emshoff.

Further instructions will follow via e-mail.

Nominees are :

  • Justin McGuire, president
  • Denise Scioli, vice president
  • Joy Emshoff, secretary
  • Tracy Quon, treasurer
  • Wolf Dilworth, Mike Scioli, co-quartermasters

Invasive pest species now infesting Lake Travis

[Updated 2019-08-12 : Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Lake Georgetown, and Canton Lake are now classified as ‘infested.’ Decker Lake (aka Lake Walter E. Long) and Grapevine Lake are classified as ‘positive.’ Lake Ray Hubbard is still classified as ‘suspect.’]

I heard this sad news on our local NPR affiliate, KUT 90.5 FM, yesterday. Texas paddlers should be aware that an invasive pest species, the Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) has become established in Lake Travis (now classified as ‘infested’).

Zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, photo credit to Amy Benson
Invasive species, the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, has reached Lake Travis. Photo credit to Amy Benson, USGS 1992-03-14.

Our sister club, Hoewa’a Dallas OCC, should be aware that Lake Ray Hubbard is classified as ‘suspect’ since Zebra mussel adults and larvae have been observed in recent years. All boaters – including canoeists and kayakers – are required to drain all water from their boat and onboard receptacles before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water in order to prevent the transfer of zebra mussels.

Further recommendations for reducing the likelihood that these pests reach Lake Austin, Lake Travis, etc. can be found at Texas Invasives.

The zebra mussel was accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes from the Caspian Sea via transport shipping in 1986. Click to see how rapidly the zebra mussel has spread from the Great Lakes since then through freshwater waterways.