Colorado Parks and Wildlife Urges Public to Avoid Water Contact in Holbrook Reservoir State Wildlife Area
SWINK, CO — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is urging the public to avoid contact with the water in the Holbrook Reservoir State Wildlife Area due to a growing bloom of blue-green algae.
The reservoir is located east of Rocky Ford and north of the town of Swink in Otero County.
This algae is suspected to be the same toxic, blue-green algae that we previously reported blooming at the DeWeese Reservoir State Wildlife Area.
CPW has currently closed the water to all activities except fishing and boating to minimize the risk to humans and pets. The organization suspects the algae to be harmful to humans and their pets if touched, and potentially fatal if ingested.
Anyone who comes into contact with the algae should immediately shower with fresh, clean water.
Restrictions in Place
- Swimming
- Skiing
- Paddle boarding
- Wading
Visitors are still able to fish in the water, as long as they take care when handling and cleaning any of the fish they catch. Toxins accumulate in the liver and gut of fish, so it’s important that any fish caught out of this body of water is properly cleaned and cooked before eating.
According to Todd Marriott, CPW Area Wildlife Manager in Lamar, the reservoir holds water for farms in the area, so it will likely be drained in the coming weeks, which would eliminate the problem. Until then, the current restrictions will remain in place.
Other Permitted Activities
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
- Camping
Algae blooms are common when temperatures start to rise, particularly at the end of summer. Algae is an important part of aquatic food webs, but some types of blue-green algae are able to produce toxins that can cause negative health impacts for humans and pets that come into contact with high concentrations of it.
There currently isn’t a method to remove the toxins from lakes.
More information on blue-green algae can be found on the CPW website.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials | – Presence of blue-green algae in the water – Closure of water activities except fishing and boating – Warning signs posted at the reservoir |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities | – Presence of blue-green algae in the water – Closure of water activities except fishing and boating – Warning signs posted at the reservoir |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services | – Closure of water activities except fishing and boating – Warning signs posted at the reservoir – Draining the reservoir to eliminate the problem |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these three SDGs because they involve the presence of blue-green algae in the water, which affects water quality, marine pollution, and terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials
- SDG 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities
- SDG 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are related to improving water quality, preventing marine pollution, and ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Presence of blue-green algae in the water: This indicates the level of pollution and the need for measures to reduce it.
- Closure of water activities except fishing and boating: This shows the impact of the algae bloom on recreational activities and the need to prevent further exposure.
- Warning signs posted at the reservoir: This serves as a communication measure to inform visitors about the potential risks and restrictions.
- Draining the reservoir to eliminate the problem: This indicates a measure taken to restore the water quality and ecosystem balance.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials | – Presence of blue-green algae in the water – Closure of water activities except fishing and boating – Warning signs posted at the reservoir |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities | – Presence of blue-green algae in the water – Closure of water activities except fishing and boating – Warning signs posted at the reservoir |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services | – Closure of water activities except fishing and boating – Warning signs posted at the reservoir – Draining the reservoir to eliminate the problem |
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Source: koaa.com
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