You May Not Want To Swim In These 8 Northern California Lakes This Summer Due To A Dangerous Discovery

Several bodies of water have been placed under health advisory in recent years due to high and potentially dangerous levels of bacteria and toxic plant life. There are sometimes problems with toxic green algae in the Lakes in Northern California. Sadly, two dogs died in 2017 in a pond in due to exposure of blue-green algae in Northern California. Officials from the California State Water Resources Control Board said that the problem was worse than ever that year.

Algae blooms are large formations of algae that can cover the surface of a body of water. Algae blooms are common in flat water, but they don't always turn toxic. There have been a few cases of toxic algae this year but they only a few that have turned toxic.

Below you will find a list of places that have been put on the watch list because they have had toxic blue-green algae in recent years. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, usually peaks in late July to early August, so keep your eyes peeled for this dangerous aquatic species.

For more information about what lakes have been put on the watch list and the dangers posed by toxic algae, visit the California government website.

Keep an eye out for green algae that looks like this. As stated above, it's not always toxic, but you should do your research ahead of time and call ahead to see if there has been any evidence of anything toxic.

1. Shasta Lake

So far, Shasta Lake's green algae levels seem to be safe. In years past, however, there has been toxic algae found here. In 2016, officials were urging people to stay away from the Pit River Arm because of this very problem. Call (530) 275-1296 before you visit to double check that it's still safe. When it is, it's a fun spot for swimming in NorCal.

Read more about Shasta Lake, one of the most popular lakes in Northern California.

2. Napa County Ponds

The two dogs mentioned in the intro above were swimming in ponds contaminated with toxic algae. Shallow ponds are the perfect breeding ground for this type of algae, so proceed with caution if you frequent these kinds of bodies of water around

Napa County Ponds.

3. Lake Temescal

According to the East Bay Regional Park District, Lake Temescal is currently closed to all swimmers due to that blue-green toxic algae in NorCal that pops up from time to time. Visitors should keep dogs out of the water.

Learn about Temescal Canyon.

4. Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay often has issues with toxic algae, so it's always smart to check the status before visiting. Visitors will see Caution, Warning, and Danger signs that each mean different things. Be sure to read the fine print.

Check out more about Discovery Bay.

5. Eel River

The Eel River is historically cold and low in nutrients that algae live on. Development in the area has changed the river, but the Eel Recovery Project is working on restoring the area. They constantly monitor the algae for levels of toxins and currently have no warnings online for toxic algae, so this is a nice spot for safe swimming in NorCal now.

Find out more about things to do near the Eel River.

6. Klamath River

The Klamath River is also constantly monitored for toxic blue-green algae. There have been no studies that seem to have come up positive for it recently, but the Klamath Basin Monitoring Program advises staying away from areas where algae is visibly present as a precaution.

Read more about Klamath River.

7. Lake Oroville

A while back, the State Water Control Resources Board told boaters to avoid the Middle Fork of the Feather River Arm of

Lake Oroville because of toxic algae growing there. Make sure to check the status before heading out.

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Check out more about Lake Oroville.

8. Clear Lake

Clear Lake is also being constantly monitored thanks to the previous presence of toxic algae. It's a high priority to keep toxins low at this popular and frequently visited lake, so hopefully you won't run into that green algae found in other NorCal lakes.

Read more about Clear Lake.

Interested in learning more? Watch this video so you know what to look for in the lakes in Northern California:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNL99XVJjQo

Algae levels and advisories fluctuate throughout the summer, so the information above is subject to change as new water samples are taken. Please follow all signs and directions at local lakes and rivers, and stay up to date on water advisories in your area.