CHICO — After previous testing found potential toxins in an algae bloom, Horseshoe Lake in Bidwell Park is still closed and awaiting a second round of testing, according to the parks department.
Barriers are still up at the upper Bidwell Park water feature, warning visitors to stay out of the water and keep children and animals away from the shores and any algae.
Linda Herman, manager of Chico’s Parks and Natural Resources, said that the second round of testing is necessary after toxins were confirmed in the first samples of water from the lake.
A previous test result released by Lisa Almaguer of Butte County Public Health on July 1 stated that the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, Butte County Environmental Health and Chico’s Park Division collected water samples, and laboratory results identified the presence of three different potential cyanobacteria toxin producers.
Two cyanotoxins, including one measuring above state levels for harmful toxins, were detected in these samples, according to the release.
The lake could remain closed for “at least another two weeks,” Herman said. The results of the latest sample will hopefully be released next week, she added.
The current safety measures are still in place for any visitors to the area while walking around Horseshoe Lake. Residents, dog owners, parents and other recreational users are asked to exercise caution and avoid contact with the water, including all swimming and other water recreation.
The City of Chico Park Division asked that dogs should remain leashed if walking around or near the lake, and dogs that make contact with the water should be rinsed with clean water as soon as possible to rinse off all algae.
The city recommends that fish caught in the lake need to be cleaned, with all algae material removed, but, “It’s really best not to fish there at all,” Herman said.
For more information, contact the Park Division at 896-7800.
