For Immediate Release: 8/4/2016

Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Silverwood Lake; No-Swimming Advisory in Effect

HESPERIA, Calif. —Swimmers, boaters and recreational users are urged to avoid direct contact with Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County until further notice because of a cyanobacteria (blue-green) algal bloom.  The Department of Water Resources continues to test the water and will update this advisory if conditions change.

 Based on current testing results, the following precautions from the Voluntary Statewide Guidance for Blue-Green Algae Blooms are in effect at Silverwood Lake:

  • No swimming.
  • Stay away from scum and cloudy or discolored water.
  • Do not drink lake water or use it for cooking. Boiling or filtering will not make the water safe.
  • Do not let pets go into or drink the water, or go near scum on the shoreline.
  • For fish caught here, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking.
  • Do not eat shellfish from these waters.   
  • People can be exposed to the toxins when they accidently ingest water while swimming or waterskiing. The toxins can also contact the skin during swimming or be inhaled if they become aerosolized, such as during waterskiing or jet skiing.
  • Sunlight, warm temperatures, nutrients in the water and calm conditions can contribute to algal blooms, which are considered to be harmful if they produce toxins that can affect people and pets when they contact the affected water.
  • If you or your pet becomes sick after going in the water, contact your doctor or veterinarian.

Exposure to high concentrations of these toxins can cause skin rashes, eye, nose, mouth or throat irritation, headache and gastrointestinal upset. Dogs can experience diarrhea, vomiting,convulsions, or even death if they ingest the water or lick their fur after contacting the affected water.

Additional information on harmful algal blooms can be found on these State Water Resources Control Board and Department of Public Health websites: http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/monitoring_council/cyanohab_network/index.html.

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/Bluegreenalgae.aspx

 

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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.