Health & Fitness
Water At Lake Elsinore Posing Potential Health Threat
According to state officials, an algal bloom that appeared earlier this month now poses a potential health threat to humans and pets.
LAKE ELSINORE, CA — An algal bloom in Lake Elsinore prompted the city and state Wednesday to warn swimmers to stay out of the water and others engaged in recreational activity to take precautions to minimize exposure to the green slime.
According to the California Water Resources Control Board, the bloom appeared earlier this month and now poses a potential health threat to people and pets.
"No swimming" signs have been posted around the water, with additional warnings not to let dogs drink from the lake or eat scum washing up on shore. No fish caught in the lake should be consumed, officials said.
Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Cyanobacteria, a group of organisms that form harmful algal blooms, can produce potent toxins," according to a Water Resources Control Board statement. "Health risks include ... dermatoxins that can cause itchy skin and rashes, gastrointestinal distress, headaches, agitation and weakness, or abnormal breathing if ... material is swallowed while swimming."
Blooms have appeared in the lake in previous years, and according to officials, the current one is suspended at the surface, resulting in the "Danger Advisory" issued by the city and state.
Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Due to the size and toxicity of this bloom, along with the summer heat and absence of rainfall this time of year, the bloom may proliferate and alter its potential to produce toxins," the water board stated. "Bloom conditions can change rapidly, as wind and waves move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of the lake."
Algal growth is attributed to higher volumes of nutrients in the water, combined with elevated temperatures, lots of sunshine and little to no wind.
"In some areas, the bloom may concentrate and form a film or scum on the water surface," the water board said. "The color of the water may also appear discolored as bright or dark green and brown."
Officials could not say when conditions might improve.
In December, the city announced a $2 million project to eradicate algae growth in the 3,300-acre lake, relying on two industrial-strength Titan NB6 nanobubble circulation units on a floating barge. It was unclear whether that technology had been successfully deployed and had the desired impact.
Additional information is available at https://www.lake-elsinore.org/615/Lake-Watch.
