The San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority (SLRIWA) Water Testng Laboratory was formed in response to the need to provide timely, accurate testng for Harmful Algal and Cyanobacterial Blooms (HABs). HABs have been a problem at Lake Henshaw in Northeastern San Diego County and have impacted the operaton of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians campground, a cornerstone of the economic viability of the Band. The Band has experienced delays associated with lengthy shipping times and analyses due to the fact there are no local laboratories that test for HABs and their toxins. As a result, the SLRIWA undertook the tasks necessary to establish a competent HABs testing laboratory.

Working with Dr. David Caron, a well-known and respected water quality and aquatic sciences Professor associated with the University of Southern California, the staff at SLRIWA has established a facility for quantifying concentrations of the most commonly encountered toxins produced by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method by Gold Standard Diagnostics: microcystins/nodularins (ADDA), anatoxin-a (VFDF), cylindrospermopsin, and saxitoxin (PSP) in freshwater samples.

The SLRIWA wishes to thank the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region, 9 Laboratory, and the Laboratory Certification Unit of the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water for their assistance in developing our laboratory, and their continued assistance as we expand the services that will be provided to the public. HABs are becoming a factor in the operation and utilization of many lakes and estuarine waterways throughout California, and it is our goal to provide an important and timely service to the public and private entities addressing the HABs issues in the interest of public health protection and protection of fish and wildlife.