Toxic Blue-Green Algae Warning For Lake Del Valle: Park District

LIVERMORE, CA — The East Bay Regional Park District's Water Management Department has issued an advisory for toxic blue-green algae at Lake Del Valle in Livermore, Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, and other swimming areas around the East Bay.

"Blue-Green Algae (also called cyanobacteria) are natural organisms that are present around the world in ocean and fresh water," the park district reports on its website. "Certain conditions – low water levels, limited water circulation, increased temperature and light, among other factors – can cause blue-green algae to bloom and, in some cases, release toxins. Scientists do not know what causes the blue-green algae to become toxic. We do know that these blooms are increasing around the world."

Blue-green algae was first detected at an East Bay Regional park in 2014 and has been a constant threat ever since. In face, algae blooms and toxins have been observed at all major Park District water bodies.

"The most common blue-green algae toxins are Anatoxin-A, which impacts the nervous system, and Microcystin, which affects the liver. 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. In the past few years, several dog deaths in California have been attributed to toxic algae poisoning."

For the sake of anglers, fish are regularly tested by the park district to ensure their safety.

The park district updates water quality issues on its website.

— Patch editor Bea Karnes contributed to this report.