Zion Cyanotoxin 2023

Do you think the cyanotoxin risk is still real, or has the extended run-off season flushed out enough of the algae matts that it is reasonably safe to filter water in north creek and other flowing streams? Just curious what others think.

The advisory level was recently downgraded to "Health Watch"

Related video: first in a 3-part series produced for ZION:



More info:

https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvi...ver-and-the-streams-of-zion-national-park.htm

Thanks Hank-
I guess my real question is this- is it safe to swim through the arch in the subway?

If that wasn't safe, I'd have died years ago

I work in the park as an intern and the ongoing rule of thumb is to not put you head in the water. Currently with the research that has been done, we know that changes in water levels upset the matts, spring run off is still "happening" so obviously there's always a risk. The other recommendation is if you are going to filter water, you must do it at the source. Not next to the source, but from the spot where the water is actively coming out of rock/ground.

In true reality it's hard to pin the ongoing situation, I know Kolob canyons had some significant levels of neurotoxins in the early spring, but has now been reduced. There appears to almost be no rhyme or reason with how contaminated the water can be at one time.

This is just the research I have been presented from park service members, do what you will with the information.

As Yellow Dart said,

Many people have gone through the drainages in flowing conditions and so far we haven't had a recorded human injury due to the Cyanobacteria. Doesn't mean it can't happen, just hasn't been recorded.

I am by no means a expert on the situation, however that is what I have been told. Hopes this helps a little.

Even if it still is a grey area.

Have fun in North Creek!

@Canyon.406 Thank you for the information.

Curious what are the symptoms to look for with respect to too much cyanobacteria exposure?

That said, it's getting difficult to navigate nature's petri dish without being exposed to something these days. Really tempting to just take an apple and go for it.

Its hard to know since little is known about the neurotoxin,

As of right now my understanding is that it may be similar to average poisonings. Flu like symptoms with with migraines. However, these are just educated guesses by medical researchers. Until someone gets severely poisoned and tested, it's hard to know.

Citation?

Neurotoxin -- not a bacterial infection. The dog had convulsions and then died.

Tom

Oops,


Yeah, the CDC has a light write up on what is known about Cyanobacteria poisonings. While we assume large doses probably cause similar symptoms as to how the dog died, we don’t know what lower levels of exposures look like with the particular algae’s neurotoxins. I think it’s safe to assume any exposure is bad.


Like I said, I’m not an expert on the topic. This is just what the park has told me, be safe out there!


Here’s what the CDC knows: https://www.cdc.gov/habs/illness-sy...ns (poisons,cyanotoxins, they can become sick.