Use of Satellite Imagery to Identify HABs

January 2023

The Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) is a multi-agency project using satellite imagery to detect algal blooms in large bodies of water. The application developed from this project can help public water system (PWS) operators in identifying potentially harmful algal blooms (HABs) forming near or upstream of their drinking water intakes. The Cyanobacteria Assessment Network Application (CyAN) comes in two versions. The CyANWeb app can be used with any operating system and has been found to work with most devices. The other option is called the CyAN Android™ app which can be downloaded for free on Google Play™ and used on Android™ devices. The use of these interfaces is free to the public.

Satellite imagery of lakes and reservoirs are collected every 3 to 4 days and run through software to identify approximate cell counts of cyanobacteria forming in the water body. This tool is typically more useful to operators whose source waters come from lakes and reservoirs. If a river or creek intake is downstream of a larger water body, use of this tool can provide a warning when blooms occur upstream, allowing the water system to take action to minimize the impacts of potential toxins flowing to the intake location. Operators can save locations they wish to monitor and review images periodically. Image dates are recorded allowing for comparison of algal blooms over time. It is recommended that the tool be used no less than weekly starting in May to assist with early identification of bloom activity.

A PWS operator can add this monitoring tool into their normal operations to help them reduce or avoid potential toxin introduction. For example:

• Decide when to test for toxins.
• Switch to a deeper intake or infiltration gallery to reduce cell intake.
• Use well water instead of surface water during the bloom, or to dilute potential surface water toxin intake.
• Stop recycling spent filter backwash water to avoid released toxins being re-introduced.

To find out more information about CyAN or to find the User’s Guides or training videos, please go to https://www.epa.gov/water-research/cyanobacteria-assessment-network-application-cyan-app. 

Next Month's Topic

• Sensors

Educational Opportunities

• Idaho Rural Water Association’s Spring Training Conference will be March 8^th-10^th at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. On March 8^th (Wed), there will be a presentation on Benthic HABs and another on Taste & Odor Issues from Cyanobacteria.

• Previous Idaho Drinking Water HAB Newsletters can be found at the Idaho DEQ website page: Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms.

• Training Videos from the Surface Water Treatment Optimization for Harmful Algal Blooms class on December 15, 2022, are now on the Idaho DEQ YouTube™ Channel. The link to the American Water Works Association’s CyanoTOX Oxidation Calculator discussed in Part 2 of the Optimization Preparation can be located here.

• Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council will be having online training webinars on March 2, 2023, and March 9, 2023. Information and registration for either or both trainings can be found here.

Are you looking for funding to address HABs?

DEQ is anticipating approximately $7.5 million will be available for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to specifically address emerging contaminants, including cyanotoxins. Interested applicants can submit an Emerging Contaminants – Drinking Water letter of interest (LOI) which will be competitively scored and prioritized based on the information provided.

For assistance in completing and submitting this LOI, a pre-recorded informational training can be viewed at Supplemental Letter of Interest Informational Public Meeting.

For more information see www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/grants-and-loans. Questions? Contacts us at grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov or (208) 373-0502.

If you would like to get updates about loans and grants, please contact grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov and request to be added to the newsletter mailing list.