The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is warning people to keep their pets away from Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino after water officials identified toxic algae in the water.
Last week, the DWR announced that water officials have issued a "caution algal bloom advisory" for Silverwood Lake after blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, was found at the lake. Not all algae is toxic, but it's impossible to tell just by looking at it.
Exposure to toxic cyanobacteria can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as eye, nose, mouth or throat irritation, headache, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold- and flu-like symptoms, according to a DWR website. Pets and children are especially susceptible, prompting the DWR to urge people to be aware of the conditions.
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"As blue-green algae are a natural part of the ecosystem, the algae can 'bloom' or grow rapidly under ideal conditions, which include warm water temperature, calm conditions, and certain nutrients in the water. An algal bloom becomes harmful when it produces toxins," a DWR spokesperson told Newsweek. "Due to potential adverse health effects from algae, the public and pets should stay away from algal blooms. Pets can be especially susceptible to the toxins because they tend to drink while in the water and lick their fur afterwards."
Algae blooms can last as long as months depending on the conditions.
"Bloom conditions can change rapidly, and wind and waves may move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of the reservoir," the spokesperson said.
DWR plans to treat the Silverwood Lake bloom on Tuesday. Until the lake is deemed safe again, visitors are urged to stay away from potential algae blooms, watch pets and children closely, not consume any shellfish caught in the area, properly clean other fish before consuming, and avoid using or cooking with water from the affected area.
There are several signs signaling that an algae bloom is present, according to the DWR website. For example, blue-green, green, white, or brown particles might be present in the water, or there could be streaks through the water. Another sign that algae are present is when scum or foam collects on the surface of the water or near the shoreline. The DWR added that algae can smell foul, with aromas akin to gasoline, septic or fish.
In addition to the caution advisory at Silverwood Lake, a danger advisory is in place for Lake Del Valle in Livermore, California.
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Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more
