EPA
US EPA Cyanotoxins Preparedness
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
and Response Toolkit
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EPA-823B21001
May 2021
Office of Science and Technology
Office of Water
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Overview
CPRT
H
R
Actions Prior to
Cyanotoxins
' Events /
Cyanotoxin
Management
Plan
Actions During
Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
Disclaimer
The EPA Cyanotoxins Preparedness and Response Toolkit (CPRT) is neither intended to serve as a regulatory guidance nor serve
as a substitute for required regulatory practices. Links to external websites provided in this draft document may be useful
and are being provided consistent with the intended purpose of this document. The EPA does not attest to the accuracy of
information provided by these links. Providing links to a non-EPA Web site does not constitute an endorsement by the EPA or
any of its employees of the sponsors of the site or the information or products presented on the site.
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Combate Beach, Boqueron Bay, Cabo Rojo,
Puerto Rico.
Overview CPRT 1 of 3
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Overview
CPRT
A
. Actions Prior to
Cyanotoxins
' Events /
Cyanotoxin
Management
Plan
Actions During
Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
bf National
Significance
Who is the intended audience for the CPRT?
The Cyanotoxins Preparedness and Response Toolkit (CPRT) is primarily developed to assist states and tribes with the tools to
mitigate and respond to cyanoHAB and cyanotoxin events in surface waters and drinking water systems.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are defined as the excessive growth of certain types of algae, with or without toxin production, affecting
aquatic ecosystems, causing harm to human and animals, and impacting local economies. HABs produced by cyanobacteria,
sometimes referred to as blue-green algae, able to produce toxins (cyanotoxins), are known as cyanobacterial HABs (cyanoHABs). For
the purpose of this toolkit, the terms HABs, cyanotoxins and cyanoHABs are used to refer to the occurrence of cyanobacteria and/
or cyanotoxins in finished drinking water and/or recreational waters at levels over the EPA's recommended values or States
established guideline values.
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Overview
CPRT
Actions Prior to >
Cyanotoxins /
i
Cyanotoxin
Management
Plan
Actions During
^ Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
What does CPRT cover?
The CPRT is intended to provide an overview of the recommended preparedness actions states and tribes could take
before a bloom event, and the response processes during cyanotoxin events1 in drinking and recreational waters.
This toolkit does not cover long-term management actions or the control and mitigation of HABs. Information presented in the
CPRT includes:
~ Template for states and tribes to develop their own Cyanobacteria/Cyanotoxin Management Plan (CMP), including worksheets
and checklists to assist before and during the event;
~ Frequently Asked Questions on HABs, drinking water health advisories and the Recommended Recreational Water Quality Criteria
or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin;
~ Rules and regulations related to HABs and cyanotoxins;
~ Information regarding state and tribal resources, cyanotoxin guidelines and advisory values for cyanotoxins;
~ Links to key EPA and non-EPA tools relevant to the development of management plans and effective risk communication during
cyanotoxin events;
~ HABs incident response questionnaire states and tribes could use once a cyanotoxins event is suspected or confirmed; and
~ A post HABs incident technical support questionnaire for the states and tribes to evaluate the response during and after the event.
The questionnaire, worksheets, and checklists will open in WORD documents to be completed electronically, save and/or share.
1 Events (incidents) are defined as the occurrence of cyanobacterial cells in surface water and/or cyanotoxins in surface and finished drinking water
at levels over the EPA recommended values or State established guideline values, or levels causing adverse aquatic effects. For toxins with no
guideline values, the presence of toxins in surface and/or finished water is defined as an event.
Overview CPRT 3 of 3
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Cyanotoxin \ Actions During
Management /Cyanotoxins
Plan / Events
Actions After \
Cyanotoxins J Resources
Events /
Rules and
Regulations
Contact \ States
Information / Monitoring
/ Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event1
of National
Significance
'"J
Overview
CPRT
Actions Prior to
f
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\
Actions Prior to
Cyanotoxins
Events
Cyanotoxin
Management
Plan
v Actions During
/Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
Actions prior to a Cyanotoxins event in drinking water systems and recreational waters
Resources to prepare for a cyanotoxins event
Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example Plans
When assisting during a suspected or confirmed cyanotoxin
event, states and tribes should be prepared to conduct a proper
and timely assessment of the incident to make sure the
appropriate technical assistance is provided. It is therefore
essential to have available a list of important questions to
guide a better response to the cyanotoxin incident. Possible
topics include:
~ Existing guideline values for cyanotoxins and any response plans
currently in place
~ Water quality observations, sampling methods and laboratory
analyses performed, access to sampling results;
~ For events affecting drinking water systems, location of intakes,
types of
treatments in place, and any additional drinking water sources
available;
~ Any reported animal or human health impacts from exposure to
blooms and/or cyanotoxins; and
~ Risk communication guidelines in place.
Drinking Water Cyanotoxin Risk Communication Toolbox
Tools for Addressing the Risks of Cyanotoxins in Drinking
Water Video
Incident Action Checklist - Harmful Algal Blooms
Water Treatment Optimization for Cyanotoxins
Drinking Water Advisories for the Cyanotoxins
Cylindrospermopsin
Drinking Water Health Advisories for the Cyanotoxin
Microcystins
Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage
Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water
Drinking Water Utility Emergency Response Plan
Water Utility Communication During Emergency Response
Back
S Cyanotoxins Incident Report Questionnaire that can be used as
a guide to conduct the initial assessment could be found in the
box on the right.
Cyanotoxins Incident
Response Questionnaire
Actions Prior to Cyanotoxins Events 2 of 2
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>
Actions During
Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
, Hypoxia Event'
of National
Significance
[1
Cyanotoxin
Management
Plan
Cyanotoxin Management Plan
Drinking water systems as well as recreational water managers with source
waters that are susceptible to HABs can benefit from developing
a location-specific Cyanotoxin Management Plan (CMP) prior to a HAB
event. CMPs should be periodically evaluated and modified as
understanding of the specific challenges related to HABs and other
important factors (i.e., personnel changes) evolve. A CMP should
include steps to determine if a surface water is vulnerable to
cyanotoxins, activities to be completed before an incident, related
monitoring plan, control and treatment methods, and effective risk
communication strategies.
The Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example Plans
provide a framework for states, tribes and drinking water systems to
develop their own system-specific cyanotoxin management plan. EPA
partnered with five utilities to develop system-specific cyanotoxin
management plans that provide examples of how water systems are managing
cyanotoxin risks.
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Cyanotoxin Management Plan
Template and Example Plans
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S To access the Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example Plan
click the box on the right.
Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template
and Example Plans
Cyanotoxin Management Plan 1 of 8
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Actions During
'Cyanotoxins
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
Waterbody Vulnerability Assessment
Evaluating available source water quality data can help
determine if the waterbody is susceptible to
cyanotoxins. Water managers and drinking water system
operators can perform a source water HAB vulnerability
assessment by:
~ Identifying contamination sources, especially critical HAB
contributors such as: excess nutrient (nitrogen and
phosphorus) loadings and concentrations, slow-moving
surface water, high water temperature, high intensity and
duration of sunlight, water column stratification, changes
in water pH, and occurrence of trace metals.
~ Use a weight of evidence approach to determine if the
source water is vulnerable to HABs based on the source
water characteristics and HABs risk factors.
o
o
Resources for the assessment of source
water vulnerability to cyanotoxins
Drinking Water Application to Protect Source Waters
(DWMAPS)
Watershed Assessment, Tracking & Environmental Results
System (WATERS)
National Hydrography Dataset (NHDPlus)
Source Water Quality Databases
Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage
Cyanotoxins in WaterfAppendix A)
USGS: Field and Laboratory Guide to Freshwater
Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms for Native American and
Alaska Native Communities
EPA's Water Pollution Search
EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online Website
Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example
Incident Action Checklist - Harmful Algal Blooms
Video: Tools for Addressing the Risks of Cyanotoxins in Public
Water Systems
Cyanotoxin Management Plan 2 of 8
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Overview \ Actions Prior to
CPRT / Cyanotoxins ,
/ Events A
Cyanotoxin
' Management
Preparation and Surveillance for HAB Events
If a source water is determined to be potentially vulnerable to
HABs and cyanotoxins, water managers and drinking water
system operators should be prepared for their occurrence by:
~ Monitoring the source waters to determine when blooms
are most likely to occur;
~ Establishing and documenting sampling procedures, testing
procedures and quality assurance procedures;
~ Evaluating the current bloom control and management
techniques;
~ Preparing for treatment adjustments and ordering
necessary laboratory equipment, and
~ Planning for emergencies in the event alternative sources
of water are needed.
HABs Advisory Maps
Maps can be a very valuable risk communication tool. ArcGIS Online,
a geographic information system, allows you to build an
interactive map of HABs advisories, beach closures and more.
To see a map of monthly current blooms see the EPA
Newsletter here.
Resources for monitoring, control and
treatment HABs and cyanotoxins
EPA's Online Source Water Quality Monitoring for Water Quality
Surveillance and Response Systems
Recommendations for Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxin Monitoring
in Recreational Waters
Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage
Cyanotoxins in Water (Appendix A)
Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins: Information for Drinking Water
Systems Fact Sheet
Water Treatment Optimization for Cyanotoxins Document
AWWA and WRF's Managing Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water: A
Technical Guidance Manual for Drinking Water Professionals
WHO's Management of Cyanobacteria in Drinking-Water
Supplies: Information for regulators and water suppliers
GRC's International Guidance Manual for the Management of
Toxic Cyanobacteria
WHO's Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments
The Practical Guide to Lake Management in Massachusetts
Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example Plans
Emergency Drinking Water Supply Guidance
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Contact
Information
The EPA developed potential monitoring and management steps
to assist drinking water systems to manage cyanotoxins in
raw and finished drinking water.
Step 1: System-Specific Surface Water
Source Evaluation
Source water vulnerable
^
Source water not vulnerable-
Potential Cyanotoxins Management Steps
Step 2: Preparation and Observation
~ Step 1: Assess source water for HABs and prioritize
recreational waters for monitoring.
~ Step 2: Prepare, monitor for early warning signs and identify
immediate actions.
~ Step 3: Conduct cyanotoxin monitoring and perform
treatment adjustments.
~ Step 4: Conduct finished water cyanotoxin monitoring and
treatment adjustments.
~ Step 5: Continue cyanotoxins monitoring in finished water,
treatment adjustments, and public communications.
* Adapted from EPA's Recommendations for Public Water
Systems to Manage Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water
YES, evidence
indicates cyanotoxin
occurrence^^
NO. continue to assess evidence
during vulnerable period
Step 3: Monitor for Cyanotoxins in Raw Water
and Treatment Adjustments
YES, toxins
detected
\
-0-
NO, toxin
detected .
Step 4: Monitor for Cyanotoxins in Raw and
Finished Water and Treatment Adjustments
bxiris detected in raw
tnly, continue raw and
inished water monitoring
Toxins detected in
finished water
o
Step 5: Monitor for Cyanotoxins in Finished
Water, Treatment Adjustments/Additions, and
Public Communications
Click here to access the diagram in the
Recommendations Document
Continue
monitoring if
bloom is
visible. If
bloom no
longer visible
continue to
evaluate
evidence for
cyanotoxin
occurrence
NO toxins
detected in raw
or finished water
10
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Cyanotoxin Management Plan 4 of 8
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\ Actions Prior to
, Cyanotoxin
r Management
CPRT
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/ Cyanotoxins ,
j Events /
Plan
1
Actions During
'Cyanotoxins
' Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact \ Mates
Information / Monitoring
/ Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
Recommended Cyanotoxins Monitoring Steps in Recreational Waters
The EPA developed a stepwise conceptual framework for
monitoring for cyanotoxins in recreational waters.
Monitoring Cyanobacteria/Toxins in Recreational Waters*
~ Step 1: Assess vulnerability of the water body to HABs and
prioritize recreational waters for monitoring,
~ Step 2: Observe recreational water body for blooms at the
beginning and throughout the recreational season.
~ Step 3: Monitor for cyanotoxins.
~ Step 4: Follow up cyanotoxin monitoring.
* Adapted from Monitoring and Responding to Cyanobacteria
and Cyanotoxins in Recreational Waters
(f-
Step 3: Monitor for cyanotoxins and/or cell densities
I Choose amongst several methods based on testing
I logistics and suspected bloom characteristics.
I (i.e., algal and cyanobacteria!) cell counts.
(r
I Step 4: Follow up cyanotoxin monitoring
II Continue monitoring and notifying public until two
II consecutive tests show the toxin values or cell counts fall
HI below the levels**** used to post the notification and visual I
II signs of the bloom are gone.
Depriorrtize
Continue to
Step 2
Continue
Observations
Consider
notifying** &
continue
to Step 3
Continue to
observe during
recreational
season (Step 2)
Consider modifying
notification*** &
continue to
Step 4
Continue
monitoring &
notification
Lift Notice,
return to Step 2
Back
Click here to access the diagram in the
Monitoring Document
Cyanotoxin Management Plan 5 of 8
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Overview
CPRT
Contact
Information
In 2015, the EPA developed Drinking Water Health Advisories (HAs)
for the cyanobacterial toxins microcystins and cylindrospermopsin
(see table below).
~ HAs are non-regulatory concentrations of contaminants in
drinking water at which adverse effects would not be
anticipated to occur over specific durations of exposure.
~ The EPA developed ten-day HAs for children and adults
because of the variability on body weight and drinking water
intake per age groups.
~ If the HA is exceeded, consideration should be given to
protect those that are particularly vulnerable such as bottle-fed
infants, individuals with liver and/or kidney disease, and
dialysis patients.
10-day Drin
king Water Health Ad\j
isories
Cyanotoxins
Bottle-fed infants
and pre-school
children
School-age children
and adults
Link
Microcystins
0.3 ng/L
1.6 ng/L
US EPA Drinking Water Health Advisory
forthe Cyanobacterial Microcystins
Toxins
Cylindrospermopsin
0.7 ng/L
3-0 i±S/L
US EPA Drinking Water Health Advisory
forthe Cyanobacterial Toxin
Cylindrospermopsin
Cyanotoxin Management Plan 6 of 8
EPA also developed Health Effect Support
Documents (HESD) for microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, as
well as for anatoxin-a.
US EPA Health Effects Support Document for the
Cyanobacterial Microcystins Toxins
US EPA Health Effects Support Document for the
Cyanobacterial Toxin Cylindrospermopsin
US EPA Health Effects Support Document for the
Cyanobacterial Toxin Anatoxin-a
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Actions Prior to
Cyanotoxins
Events
.Cyanotoxin
t Management
f Plan
Actions During
* Cyanotoxins
r
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
EPA's Recommended Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Cyanotoxins
In 2019, the EPA published Recommended Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for
Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin. These recommended recreational ambient water quality criteria or swimming advisories are
concentrations of microcystins and cylindrospermopsin in recreational waters which are protective of human health while swimming or
participating in other activities in or on the water.
EPA published these recommended criteria values under Clean Water Act Section 304(a)(1) for states, territories, and tribes to consider
adopting new or revised water quality standards. Alternatively, states and tribes may consider using these same values as the basis for swimming
advisories for public notification purposes in recreational waters to protect the public.
If the toxins concentrations are higher than the
criterion magnitude in a sample collected during a
ten-day assessment period (an excursion), the EPA
recommends increasing the monitoring frequency to
better understand the temporal and spatial nature
of cyanotoxin occurrence in the affected waterbody.
Not more than 3 excursions in more than one year
across a recreational season reflects seasonal
dynamics and occurrence patterns of HABs within
years and the potential for adverse health effects
over a short-term duration of exposure (i.e.,
approximately 30 days).
Recommended Recreational/Swimming Advisory Values
Application
Cylindrospermopsin
8 M-g/L
15 |ig/L
Swimming Advisory
Not to be exceeded on any day.
Recreational Criteria for
Waterbody Assessment
A maximum of three excursions across a recreational season.
Link
Recommended Human Health Recreational Ambient Water
Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and
Cylindrospermopsin
•S The EPA has developed a Technical Support Document: Implementing the 2019 National Clean Water Act Section 304(a) Recommended
Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin to assist states
and tribes interested in adopting the EPA's recommended recreational criteria for cyanotoxins. For more information visit the EPA's
Recreational Water Quality Criteria and Methods / Water Quality Criteria page. 13
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Cyanotoxin Management Plan 7 of 8
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. Cyanotoxin
'Management
Plan
Actions During
Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
Planning for HABs Events: Risk Communication
Planning for a HABs event also involves establishing communication plans
to be prepared for any public communication as appropriate or required
by the state, tribe or territory.
S The EPA developed tools and resources to assist water managers and
drinking water systems to develop their risk communication
plans. Click the appropriate box below to access these resources.
Drinking Water Cyanotoxin
Communication Toolbox
Recreational Water
Cyanotoxin Communication
Toolbox
Getting prepared on risk communication
CDC's Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox
Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage
Cyanotoxins in Water (Appendix D)
Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example
Plans
Water Utility Communication During Emergency
Response
The EPA recommends for states and tribes to report suspected or confirmed HABs or cyanotoxins human and animal illnesses associated with
cyanobacterial blooms to the One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
developed OHHABS as a voluntary reporting system available to state and tribal public health departments and their designated
environmental health or animal health partners. The goal of OHHABS is to collect information to support the understanding and prevention
of HABs and HAB-associated illnesses. The OHHABS can be accessed here.
When communicating with the public about risk, it is important to communicate that HABs pose a significant health threats to pets. Pets and
other animals can be exposed to cyanobacteria and their toxins through drinking toxin-contaminated water or by swimming in waters with a
cyanoHAB. If you suspect a HAB is present in a water body, do not let your pet swim or drink the water, play or eat scum mats, and do not let
your pet lick their fur after swimming in contaminated water. If your pet has come into contact with water with a HAB, rinse them with tap
water as soon as possible. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet has consumed or licked scum on its fur after swimming or playing in
water that has a HAB. More information on how to protect pets go here.
Cyanotoxin Management Plan 8 of 8
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\ \
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m
Overview
\ Actions Prior to
y Cyanotoxin *
Actions During
' Cyanotoxins
CPRT
/
/ Cyanotoxins ,
/Management
/ Events /
Plan A
Events
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1
A
Actions After
^ Cyanotoxins
, Events
Resources
Actions During a Cyanotoxins Event
During a cyanotoxins event, states and tribes drinking water
systems and recreational water managers should be prepared to
provide information on action levels, sample collection and
analysis, effective treatment options, and resources available to
provide technical assistance and to communicate risks.
Information that could be helpful include:
~ When and where cyanotoxins have been found and what the risks
are to people, pets, animals and the environment.
• Action steps to protect your health and the health of your family
and pets.
• Options for treatment and management.
• How to learn when and if information is updated.
~ Basic information on HABs and cyanotoxins and what are the
common causes.
• Information about how HABs are likely to become more
common over time due to climate change.
• Recommended advisory values for cyanotoxins and what
they mean.
• Most common HABs and cyanotoxins in your state.
• How you can spot signs of cyanotoxins if you are not aware of
an advisory.
• Information from initial laboratory analyses at a specific site
or sites such as the toxins and their concentrations and what
this means for risk.
This information can be supported by different types of risk
communication materials including the resources included in this toolkit.
Resources for assistance during a cyanotoxins
event
Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example Plans
Drinking Water Cyanotoxin Risk Communication Toolbox
Tools for Addressing the Risks of Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water
Video
Incident Action Checklist - Harmful Algal Blooms
Water Treatment Optimization for Cyanotoxins
Drinking Water Health Advisories for the Cyanotoxins
Cylindrospermopsin
Drinking Water Health Advisories for the Cyanotoxin Microcystins
Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage
Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water
Recommendations for Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxin Monitoring in
Recreational Waters
Monitoring and responding to cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in
recreational waters
Recreational Water Communication Risk Toolbox for Cyanobacterial
Blooms
Recommended Human Health Recreational Water Quality Criteria
or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin
List of Laboratories analyzing for cyanobacteria and their toxins
15
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Actions During
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Actions After
^ Cyanotoxins
r Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event'
of National
Significance
Actions During a Cyanotoxins Event (continued)
S The link below provides access to a frequently asked questions document discussing cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins as well
as information regarding health effects and what are the drinking water health advisories for cyanotoxins.
Harmful Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins FAQs
> Will help you answer what are cyanobacterial HABs, what are the possible
health effects from exposure to them and their toxins; what are the
recommended advisory values for cyanotoxins; etc.
¦S To improve communication during cyanotoxins events, the EPA developed a form to track new and/or persistent
cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins events. To access the template click the box below.
Template Summary of State HABs Events
Template of Bloom Reports
^ To record each bloom individually and to summarize the blooms season
in your state; locations, dates, how, where and when the cyanotoxins
were detected; and information from initial laboratory analyses such as
the identification of the toxins and concentrations.
•S To address further questions on approaches to optimize drinking water treatment in case cyanotoxins are present in
drinking water systems, the EPA developed the Water Treatment Optimization for Cyanotoxins Document. To
access this document, click the box below.
Water Treatment Optimization for Cyanotoxins Document
^ Contains proactive approaches for water sampling and monitoring to help
drinking water systems anticipate treatment needs and treat cyanotoxins
in drinking water. Information is presented for treating cyanotoxins using
many types of water treatment.
Actions During Cyanotoxins Events 2 of 3
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Actions Prior to\ Cyanotoxin >
Cyanotoxins /Management A
Events / Plan
L
Actions During
' Cyanotoxins
i
Actions After
^ Cyanotoxins
, Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Even
of National
Significance
Risk Communication During a Cyanotoxins Event
It is recommended that the states and tribes use consistent communication tools
during an event. The EPA developed an infographic and ready-to-use templates
to develop risk communication materials, including;
~ Templates: for press releases, drinking water advisories and recreational criteria/
swimming advisories, and social media and text alerts;
~ General Information: talking points and messages for consumers and recreators,
frequently asked questions and factsheets;
~ Graphics: downloadable options for graphics.
Click the appropriate box below to access these resources.
Drinking Water Cyanotoxin
Communication Toolbox
Recreational Water Cyanotoxins
Communication Toolbox
Drinking Water
Health Advisories
Graphics
Drinking Water Health Advisories
ADVISORY LEVEL HEALTH ADVISORY VALUES
Cyanotoans detected
in tap water at levels
of concern.
ft
Cyiindrospermopan 3.Q|ig/l
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Back
Infographic
- LOOK OUT FOR
ALGAL BLOOMS^ —lr£r~;
RECREATIONAL WATER ADVISORY or CLOSURE ISSUED
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17
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Resources
Rules and
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States
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HAB or
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/of National
Significance
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Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
A
Actions After a Cyanotoxins Event
Once the HABs and cyanotoxins event is over, it is recommended for states and tribes to conduct a post-incident comprehensive
assessment to identify the adequacy of the cyanotoxins incident response and assess the effectiveness of the response and the risk
communication activities to improve the future responses. A part of this post-incident assessment and debrief should be to explicitly
plan to incorporate insights into future event planning.
A debrief with all the involved agencies, e.g. drinking water systems and managers of recreational sites, after the incident helps to
identify problems and flaws during the incident and determine areas that need improvement, as well as those actions that
contributed to a successful response and that should be repeated in future cyanotoxins contamination events.
S The EPA developed a HABs Post Emergency Event
Review Questionnaire to be used as a guide to
conduct the post-event assessment response. To access
the questionnaire, click the box below.
HABs Post Emergency Event Review Questionnaire
Actions After Cyanotoxins Events 1 of 1
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Actions Prior to\ Cyanotoxin \ Actions During
Cyanotoxins /Management ) Cyanotoxins
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Actions After ^
a Cyanotoxins i
Events
1
Resources
J
Rules and
Regulations
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Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
EPA Resources on Cyanotoxins
v
~
~
~
~
~
V
~
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~
~
~
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EPA CyanoHABs Website
EPA Managing Cyanotoxins in Public Drinking Water Systems Webpage
Drinking Water Health Advisory for the Cyanobacterial Toxin Cylindrospermopsin
Drinking Water Health Advisory for the Cyanobacterial Microcystins Toxins
EPA Health Effects Support Document for the Cyanobacterial Toxin Anatoxin-a
EPA Health Effects Support Document for the Cyanobacterial Toxin Cylindrospermopsin
EPA Health Effects Support Document for the Cyanobacterial Microcystins Toxins
Analytical methods for cyanotoxins
Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water
EPA HABs Incident Action Checklist
Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example Plans
Water Treatment Optimization for Cyanotoxins Document
Drinking Water Cyanotoxin Risk Communication Toolbox
Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins: Information for Drinking Water Systems Fact Sheet
Possible Funding Sources for Managing Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water of Cyanotoxins in
Drinking Water
Video: Tools for Addressing the Risks of Cyanotoxins in Public Water Systems
Recommended Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and
Cylindrospermopsin
Recreational Water Communication Toolbox for Cyanobacterial Blooms
Recommendations for Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxin Monitoring in Recreational Waters
Frequently Asked Questions: Laboratory Analysis for Microcystins in Drinking Water
Resources 1 of 3
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Actions Prior to\ Cyanotoxin
Cyanotoxins /Management
Events / plan
Actions During
Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
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y
>
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
( Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
ent
y
Resources
i
Non-EPA Resources on Cyanotoxins
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
~ Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)-Associated Illness website
~ One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS)
~ Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox
~ Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Toolkit
National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Harmful Algal Blooms webpage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
~ Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) Research Program
~ Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB) Program
~ NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting System
~ Harmful algal bloom forecasts: Gulf of Mexico; Lake Erie
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
~ Field and laboratory guide to freshwater cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms for Native American and Alaska Native Communities
~ USGS Microbiology Research Projects
~ USGS Cooperative Water Program
~ Guidelines for Design and Sampling for Cyanobacterial Toxin and Taste-and-Odor Studies in Lakes and Reservoirs
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Citizen Scientists Track Algal Blooms website
US Army Corps of Engineer (USACE)
~ USACE Louisville District
~ Evaluation of the Destruction of the Harmful Cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa, with a Cavitation and Superoxide Generating Water
Treatment Reactor
~ Testing of the KRIA Ionizing Water Treatment System for Waters Contaminated with Diesel, PCBs, and Nutrients (Nitrogen Forms)
Resources 2 of 3
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Overview
Actions Prior to^
\
i Cyanotoxin
\ Actions During^
. Actions Afte^^
> Resources
CPRT
/
/ Cyanotoxins ,
/Management
) Cyanotoxins
f Cyanotoxins ,
/ Events /
Plan <
/ Events /
Events
1
A
Rules and
Regulations
Contact \ States
Information / Monitoring
/ Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
American Water Works Association (AWWA) Resources
~ CyanoTOX® Version 2.0 Calculator for public
water system's oxidation options for cyanotoxins
~ Water Utility Managers Guide to Cyanotoxins
~ AWWA and WRF's Managing Cyanotoxins in
Drinking Water: Technical Guidance Manual for
Drinking Water Professionals World
Non-EPA Resources on Cyanotoxins (Continue)
Water Research Foundation Resources
Understanding Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins Video
Cyanobacterial (Blue-Green Algal) Toxins: A Resource Guide
Assessment of Blue-Green Algal Toxins in Raw and Finished Drinking Water
Removal of Algal Toxins from Drinking Water Using Ozone and GAC
Treating Algal Toxins Using Oxidation, Adsorption, and Membrane Technologies
Evaluation of Integrated Membranes for Taste and Odor and Algal Toxin Control
Rapid Detection of Cyanobacterial By-Products in Drinking Water
Determination and Significance of Emerging Algal Toxins (Cyanotoxins)
Development of Molecular Reporters for Microcystis Activity and Toxicity
Early Detection of Cyanobacterial Toxins Using Genetic Methods
Methods for Measuring Toxins in Finished Water
Criteria for Quality Control Protocols for Various Algal Toxin Methods
Reservoir Management Strategies for the Control and Degradation of Algal Toxins
International Guidance Manual for the Management of Toxic Cyanobacteria
Optimizing Conventional Treatment for Removal of Cyanobacteria and Toxins
World Health Organization (WHO)
~ Toxic Cyanobacteria in Water, 2nd Edition
~ Guidelines for Safe Recreational Waters Volume 1 - Coastal and Fresh Waters
~ Water Related Diseases: Cyanobacterial Toxins
~ Management of cyanobacteria in drinking-water supplies: Information for regulators and water suppliers
~ Protecting Surface Water for Health. Identifying, assessing and managing drinking-water quality risks in surface water catchments
~ WHO's Management of Cyanobacteria in Drinking-Water Supplies: Information for regulators and water suppliers
Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC), Strategies for Preventing and Managing Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms Guidance
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) website
Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) Upper Mississippi River Harmful Algal Bloom Response Resource Manual
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Overview
CPRT
Actions Prior to
Cyanotoxins ,
Events /
Cyanotoxin
' Management
Plan
Actions During
^ Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
\
/
^ Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event i
of National
Significance
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rent i
i
)
HABs and Cyanotoxins Related Rules and Regulations
Rules and Regulations
Description
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
Federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under the
SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and with its partners implements various
technical and financial programs to ensure drinking water safety. As part of the Safe Drinking
Water Act, the EPA has included cyanotoxins on the 4th Contaminant Candidate List.
Drinking Water Protection Act
(DWPA)
Congress amended the SDWA in 2015, directing EPA to develop and submit a strategic plan
known as the Algal Toxin Risk Assessment and Management Strategic Plan for Drinking Water
(submitted to congress in November 2015) for assessing and managing risks associated with
algal toxins in drinking water provided by public water systems.
Unregulated Contaminant
Monitoring Rule (UCMR)
Ten cyanotoxins are included in the UCMR 4 and monitored by public water systems between
2018 and 2020.
Clean Water Act (CWA)
Establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the
United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Under the CWA, EPA has
implemented pollution control programs and water quality standards for all contaminants in
surface waters.
Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control
Amendments Act (HABHRCA)
Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and EPA to advance
the scientific understanding and ability to detect, monitor, assess, and predict HAB and
hypoxia events in marine (NOAA) and freshwater (EPA) in the U.S.
Rules and Regulations 1 of 1
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Overview
CPRT
Actions Prior to
Cyanotoxins ,
Events /
Cyanotoxin
Management
Plan
Actions During
^Cyanotoxins
Events
Actions After \
Cyanotoxins /
Events /
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
\
/
\ HAB or %
States \ Hypoxia Event 1
Monitoring / of National
Programs / Significance A
Contact
Information
EPA's Regional Contact Information
Click here to see a list of Regional EPA Contacts
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Contact Information 1 of 1
Northern Mariana
Islands
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Overview
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Cyanotoxins
Events >
1
Cyanotoxins
Management
Plan
Actions During
' Cyanotoxins
Events
i Actions After
Cyanotoxins
Events
Resources
^ Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
. States
r Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia Event
of National
Significance
States Monitoring Programs
Listed below are States monitoring and resources websites to list HABs and cyanotoxin events and information.
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California Water Quality Monitoring Council, HAB Portal
Connecticut Department of Public Health, Blue Green Algae Blooms
Delaware Division of Water, Blue-Green Algae in Delaware
District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment, Algae
Blooms in District Waters
Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Blue-Green Algae
Information
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, HAB Map
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, HAB
Indiana State Department of Health, HAB Map
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Beach Monitoring
Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Blue-Green Algae
Blooms
Kentucky DEP Division of Water, HABs
Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Blue Green Algae
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Algae
Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services, Algae
Monitoring
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Algae HAB
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, HABs
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Blue-Green Algae
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Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services:
Public Health & Safety: HABs
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Quality,
Beach Inspections Program
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, HAB
New York Department of Environmental Conservation, HABs
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, HABs
Monitoring
North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, HABs
North Dakota Game and Fish Department, HABs
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, HABs Monitoring
Oregon Health Authority, Algae Bloom Advisories
Rhode Island, HAB
Texas Parks and Wildlife, HABs
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, HAB Map
Vermont, HAB Map
Virginia Department of Health: Algal Bloom Surveillance
Map
Washington State Toxic Algae Online
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Blue-Green
Algae website
States Monitoring Programs 1 of 1
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Actions Prior to\ Cyanotoxin \ Actions During \ Actions After
Cyanotoxins \ Management / Cyanotoxins ) Cyanotoxins
Events / P|an / Events / Events
Resources
Rules and
Regulations
Contact
Information
States
Monitoring
Programs
HAB or
Hypoxia
Event of
National
Significance
HAB or Hypoxia Event of National Significance (HHENS)
On January 7th, 2019 the "Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2017", was reauthorized as part of the
National Integrated Drought Information Systems Act (PL 115-423). The act was amended to, among other things include:
~ Coastal/marine waters in the Scientific Assessments of Freshwater HABs and to complete the assessment not less than once every 5 years
instead of no later than 24 months;
~ Develop and maintain a publicly accessible internet website that provides information as to the HABHRCA Program activities;
~ Accelerate the utilization of effective methods of intervention and mitigation to reduce the frequency, severity, and impacts of harmful algal
bloom and hypoxia events;
~ For NOAA to develop contingency plans for the long-term monitoring of hypoxia; and
~ Include a section on Event Response Program and for the appropriate Federal Agency (NOAA for marine and EPA for freshwater) to
determine an event of national significance, including the specifics on distribution of costs and donations, and factors for consideration by
the appropriate Federal official declaring whether a hypoxia or harmful algal bloom event is an event of national significance.
On September 16th, 2019 the EPA issued a Federal Register Notice requesting public comment on what the Agency should specifically
consider for determining a "HAB or Hypoxia event of national significance" in freshwater, and related factors in order to inform development of a
draft EPA policy. The EPA in coordination with NOAA, intends to develop a policy for determining a HAB or Hypoxia occurrence as an
"event of national significance" in freshwater systems in the United States. The comment period closed on October 31, 2019. EPA received over
two hundred individual sets of comments and used the input received to develop a draft policy. After public review of the draft policy, EPA
expects to release the final HHENS policy in a near future.
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