You May Not Want To Swim In These 8 Northern California Lakes This Summer Due To A Dangerous Discovery
Several bodies of water in Northern California have been placed under health advisory in recent years due to high and potentially dangerous levels of bacteria and toxic algae. Sadly, 2 dogs have already died this year in a pond in Napa County because of exposure to toxic algae. Officials from the California State Water Resources Control Board are saying that the problem is worse than ever this 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 the 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, click here.
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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.
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.
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.
According to the East bay Regional Park District, Lake Temescal is currently closed to all swimmers thanks to the presence of blue-green toxic algae. Visitors should keep dogs out of the water.
As of last December, Discover Bay in the East Bay area is officially toxic algae free, although it was another place of concern last year. Here, visitors will see Caution, Warning, and Danger signs that each mean different things. Be sure to read the fine print.
The Eel River was 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.
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 this year, but the Klamath Basin Monitoring Program advises staying away from areas where algae is visibly present as a precaution.
Last August, 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. They are in the clear so far this year.
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.
Interested in learning more? Watch this video so you know what to look for:
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 here.
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Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com.
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