(KRON) — East Bay regional parks have seen a large uptick in cyanobacteria, otherwise known as blue-green algae, and are advising the public to stay weary of their water quality conditions.
Blue-green Algae are natural organisms found in fresh water both in the San Francisco Bay and around the world. Scientists are not completely sure as to why yet, but certain water conditions such as low water levels and increased temperature and light are making these algae blooms turn toxic, the East Bay Regional Park District reports.
Here is a list of Bay Area parks that have released an advisory concerning the Blue-Green algae:
- Danger Advisory Posted Quarry Lakes: Horseshoe Lake / Niles Swim Beach Water Quality Conditions
- Danger Advisory Posted Del Valle: Del Valle Boat Launch Water Quality Conditions
- Danger Advisory Posted Shadow Cliffs: Shadow Cliffs Lake Water Quality Conditions
- Caution Advisory Posted Contra Loma: Contra Loma Reservoir Water Quality Conditions
- Caution Advisory Posted Tilden: Lake Anza at Tilden Park Water Quality Conditions
- Caution Advisory Posted Quarry Lakes: Lago Los Osos at Quarry Lakes Park Water Quality Conditions
- Caution Advisory Posted Lake Chabot: Lake Chabot Water Quality Conditions
Exposure to toxic algae, either through ingestion or skin contact, can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal problems or, at high doses, serious illness or death, according to the California Department of Public Health.
The Park district had several sightings of toxic algae since 2014, with the most recent being during the summer.
