Arizona health officials are sounding the alarm after a string of reports about people coming into contact with what the state is calling “suspicious” water in parts of Arizona. On Saturday, the Arizona Department of Health Services urged anyone who might have been exposed to rinse off with clean water right away and keep an eye out for nausea, rashes or dizziness.
Officials linked the warning to concerns about harmful algal blooms and other possible contaminants as the heat ramps up. In other words, the hotter it gets, the weirder the water can become, and that is not a summer storyline anyone wants.
State Guidance and Health Risks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that exposure to harmful algal bloom toxins can trigger skin and eye irritation, gastrointestinal problems like nausea or vomiting, and respiratory issues. Children, older adults and people with chronic conditions are at higher risk.
Symptoms can show up quickly after contact with or inhalation of contaminated water, which is why officials say anyone who starts feeling unwell after water exposure should seek medical care. Public guidance stresses rinsing thoroughly with clean water and removing any clothing that might have been splashed or soaked.
Heat Makes Blooms More Likely
Forecasts from the National Weather Service show extreme heat across Arizona this week, with inland areas pushed into the mid to upper 100s and some advisories flagging highs near 116°F.
According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, hot, slow moving water combined with nutrient rich conditions can let cyanobacteria grow fast. Earlier massive fish kills at Saguaro and Canyon lakes caused by golden algae blooms showed just how quickly the risk profile of a lake can flip.
What To Do If You Were Exposed
Health advisories say that if you think you touched contaminated water, you should rinse off immediately with clean water, avoid swallowing any of it and wash any affected clothing. The CDC warns that boiling does not remove algal toxins, and pet owners are urged to keep animals away from discolored or scummy water.
Anyone experiencing persistent vomiting, trouble breathing, a severe headache or neurologic symptoms after possible exposure is advised to seek medical attention.
How To Report Blooms and Illnesses
Suspected blooms or related illnesses can be reported using the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality reporting tools or the Arizona Water Watch app, according to ADEQ. The agency offers a printable advisory flyer and lists a water quality unit phone line at 602-771-4156 for urgent concerns.
The Arizona Department of Health Services collects illness and environmental reports through the Arizona Department of Health Services One Health HABs form. Officials ask anyone filing a report to include photos, the exact location and the date and time of the first observation so agencies can prioritize sampling and testing.
