FoVG received a toxic algae alert today from Samatha Stevens, Senior Environmental Health Specialist with Sonoma County Environmental Health. Sonoma Water observed approximately 15% coverage of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) at Patterson Point during their routine monitoring. Environmental Health staff conducted a visual assessment this afternoon to confirm this assessment, and agree with Sonoma Water’s determination. As a result, they will be flipping the PPP algae sign to read “Toxic Algae Alert”.

Please use caution when swimming or boating near the Preserve. Sonoma County Environmental Health tests the water and posts the results on signs on the Preserve. Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) are a common occurrence and can be toxic; signs will be updated when algal mats are present. For more detail on river water quality see the county's Russian River Beaches Water Quality Test Results for Patterson Point.