Swimmers are being told to stay out of the water at Silverwood Lake in Hesperia after tests from the Department of Water Resources found a potentially harmful algae bloom in the water.
The Department of Water Resources regularly tests the water at Silverwood Lake State Recreation for the presence of harmful blue-green algae, which can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. When toxins are discovered during testing, advisories are posted based on the amount of toxin detected in the water, the parks website said.
The lake is currently at a “Danger Advisory,” which says that people and animals should stay out of the water and avoid drinking it or using it for cooking. The advisory also says that lake-goers should not eat fish or shellfish caught at the lake, and do not allow pets to enter the water.
“Silverwood Lake SRA is currently experiencing a harmful algal bloom affecting both beaches,” a July 3 Instagram post from California State Parks said. “Due to the latest water test, a Danger Advisory has been posted and Silverwood Lake SRA has now been closed to swimming and water contact.”
Exposure to, blue-green algae also known as toxic cyanobacteria can cause eye, nose, mouth or throat irritation, headache, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold- and flu-like symptoms, the department website states.
The department website, said that lake goers should be on the look out for:
- Small blue-green, green, white, or brown particles in the water
- Streaks in the water that look like spilled paint
- Mats, scum, or foam at the surface or along the shoreline
- Odors described as gasoline, septic, or fishy