Notice to Avoid and Report Possible Harmful Cyanobacteria Blooms (HCBs) in Wyoming Waters

CHEYENNE, WY - With summer upon us and more people heading to Wyoming’s lakes and reservoirs to recreate, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ), the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH), and the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB), in collaboration with partners, want to remind the public to avoid and keep animals away from harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs) and to report suspected blooms and bloom-related illnesses to the WDEQ and WDH at WyoHCBs.org.

Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, can form harmful blooms (HCBs) that produce cyanotoxins and other irritants, posing risks to human and animal health. HCBs usually appear in mid-to-late summer and can occur in streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. HCBs can vary in appearance – they may be green, tan, brown, or blue-green, and can float in or on the water. They often look like spilled paint, clumps, grass clippings, or scum. HCBs may also stick to underwater surfaces like rocks, plants, or debris, appearing as films, mats, or jelly-like balls.

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