Algal Bloom In Lake Elsinore Prompts Health Warnings

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — An algal bloom in Lake Elsinore prompted the city and state Tuesday to warn swimmers to stay out of the water and others engaged in recreational activity to take precautions, but that isn't stopping a watercraft race planned this weekend.

The International Jet Sports Boating Association personal watercraft championship at the lake's Launch Pointe Recreation Destination & RV Park is still a go on Saturday and Sunday, according to Ross Wallach, president of RPM Racing Enterprises.

Wallach said racers will not be swimming and will have limited exposure.

"No swimming" signs are posted around the lake, with additional warnings not to let dogs drink from the lake or eat scum washing up on shore. Fish caught in the lake should be properly gutted and the fillets cleaned with tap or bottled water, officials said.

The bloom appeared last week and poses a potential health threat to people and pets, the California Water Resources Control Board reported.

"Cyanobacteria, a group of organisms that form harmful algal blooms, can produce potent toxins," a CWRCB statement read. "Health risks include skin inflammation, gastrointestinal distress, headaches, agitation and weakness or abnormal breathing if ... material is swallowed while swimming."

Wallach said Tuesday that he is in touch with Launch Pointe officials.

The weekend's sanctioned championship closed course personal watercraft race features rounds 8 and 9 of the Hot Products & Anderson Powersports “Best of the West” Racing Series presented by Hydro-Turf, Jettrim, Impros, and Cometic & Klotz. Practice begins at 9 a.m., with racing starting at 10 a.m. each day.

The weekend race event is open to the public. General admission is $10 per person/vehicle. For more information, visit www.rpmracingent.com.

Algal blooms have appeared in Lake Elsinore before. According to officials, the current one is suspended at the surface.

Algal growth is attributed to higher volumes of nutrients in the water, combined with elevated temperatures, lots of sunshine and little to no wind.

"Bloom conditions can change rapidly, as the winds and waves move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of the lake," the CWRCB stated. "In some areas, the bloom may concentrate and form a film or scum on the water surface. The color of the water may also appear discolored as bright or dark green and brown."

Officials could not say when conditions might change on the lake.

Additional information is available at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html.

—Patch Editor Toni McAllister and City News Service contributed to this report.