Triathalon
I really enjoyed your Triathalon sprint article on the WoO website. I am very surprised that they let folks swim in "Lake Las Vegas" as I understand that water is "reclaimed". The last time I was there (a few years ago to check out the outdoor ice "rink", the water looked really dark and didn't smell too fresh. In any case, congratulations on your finish, and "better than most" performance!
Edit: Here is some info on water in LLV from a City of Henderson report:
Quote: City of Henderson LLV Report March 2010
Golden Algaa (Prymnesium parvum)
The water quality in Lake Las Vegas is the responsibility of the Lake Las Vegas
Master Association (LLVMA). The Master Association continues to deal with
the fish kills caused by the Golden Alga. Currently, approximately 50 to 200 fish
per day are dying and the alga population is continuing to thrive within the Lake.
Following are some facts concerning the Golden Alga:
•Prymnesium parvum produces toxins that can affect gill-breathing organisms
including fishes and freshwater mollusks. The most visible result of a fish kill
caused by golden alga is dead and dying fishes of all species and sizes. Aquatic
insects do not appear to be affected and may be alive during a toxic event. At
this point, the common carp appears the primary species affected.
•There have been no known cases, where Pyrmnesium parvum have
negatively impacted human health or other mammals. (my highlight)
•Fish kills caused by golden alga may last for days, weeks or months. The
exact environmental conditions that cause this phenomenon are not known.
Change in weather can have a large influence on the extent of the event and
the magnitude.
•Some treatments have been effective on small ponds and reservoirs, but
to date there is no effective tool to control golden alga in large reservoirs
and rivers. Lake Las Vegas staff and resources are continuing to monitor this
event.
•Elevated concentrations (called blooms) of golden alga usually discolor the
water, causing it to appear golden or yellow-brown. Foaming may occur
when the water is agitated (for example, by wind action).
•Dead fishes may have bloody gills, fins, and scales and may be covered in
mucus; dying fishes may attempt to jump out of the water, may not avoid
predators, and may swim slowly and congregate near the shore.
