Although general water quality has continued to improve, LCRA detected low levels of dihydroanatoxin-a and two other toxins in tests conducted on February 2nd and 7th, before and after the recent freeze. Samples were collected because significant quantities of algae are growing on the shore about 100 feet east of the boat ramp, towards the west side of the peninsula. The algae are green and not the blue-green type previously believed to produce toxic algae blooms but dead birds and fish have been found along the shoreline and one dog suffered seizures after swimming by the boat ramp.

 

The level of dihydroanatoxin-a is much lower than last year: only 0.38 nanograms per milliliter compared to 5.67 nanograms per milliliter in February 2021. The other toxins found, Saxitoxin and either Microcystin or Nodularin (the test doesn’t distinguish between the two), were not present last year and are not the same as the new strains found on Red Bud Isle in September. None of the toxin levels exceeds the threshold guidelines for recreation but safety also depends on the amount of water or algae ingested. The owner of the dog that suffered seizures is completing an illness report for LCRA to check if symptoms are consistent with each of the toxins.

 

 

Here is a summary of the most recent Travis Landing results collected by John Anderson. To see historic data going back to May 2021, go to the LCRA Site List and see the entry for Site 463 (Travis Landing), located in segment 1404.