Algal blooms have been identified in several coves throughout the lake. The TMDL Task Force will be taking samples of the water this week. Residents are advised to remain out of the water in these areas until results from testing are announced.Lake Elsinore & San Jacinto Watersheds Authority (LESJWA) is informing the Canyon Lake community that algal blooms have been identified in several coves throughout the lake. Areas of concentrated blooms may appear to be green in color and have a scummy surface. Not only are algal blooms unsightly, but they can also make people and pets sick.
As part of the Lake Elsinore & Canyon Lake Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Task Force monitoring for water quality, samples will be taken from the algae-present areas this week. The Task Force utilizes local stakeholder funding to monitor for water quality on a regular basis. Until the results from the testing are announced, LESJWA advises residents to remain out of the water in locations where algal blooms are present.
Algal blooms are overgrowths of algae in the water. It’s not unusual to see algal blooms this time of year due to warm summer temperatures. Some produce dangerous toxins in fresh or marine water but even nontoxic blooms hurt the environment and local economies.
The green scum formed by dense algal blooms is unsightly, smells bad, and can make water toxic to humans and fish, causing illness and, in some cases, death. When algae die, they are decomposed by bacteria, which can remove oxygen from the water, occasionally killing fish.
For additional information, contact Mark Norton at 951-354-4221 or [email protected].
