The City of Lake Elsinore continues to regularly sample and monitor Lake Elsinore
on a weekly basis for toxins related to the recent blue-green algae bloom.
While the latest results show that the toxins associated with last month’s
algae bloom have greatly reduced, one of the toxins (i.e. microsystins) remains
above the recreational threshold particularly in areas with large mats of algae.
Therefore, Lake Elsinore remains open for recreational activities like boating
and fishing. But, visitors are still urged to use caution for bodily contact
particularly near the algae and to take the following precautions based on
the Voluntary Statewide Guidance for Blue-Green Algae Blooms:
DO NOT SWIM OR WADE, particularly
near the shoreline, algae and/or scum.
After coming in contact with the
water, RINSE OFF WITH FRESH WATER as soon as possible.
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY from algae in
the water or on the shore.
Warn young children NOT TO SWALLOW
any lake water, whether or not you see signs of algae.
DO NOT DRINK the water or use it
for cooking.
AVOID BOATING OVER MATS OF ALGAE
to prevent accidental inhalation or ingestion of spray.
DO NOT LET PETS OR LIVESTOCK go
into or drink the water, or eat scum on the shoreline.
For fish caught, THROW AWAY GUTS
AND CLEAN FILLETS with tap water or bottled water before
cooking.
If you or your pet get sick after
going in the water, contact your doctor or veterinarian.
The City’s
Lake Watch efforts are on-going and we will continue
to monitor and inform the community about any concerns
related to the lake. With water levels dropping below
1,232’, the remains extremely vulnerable in the
next couple of months as temperatures remain in the
high 90 and 100 degrees.
Last year, in an effort to be proactive and prepared, the City partnered with
the Lake Elsinore & San Jacinto Watersheds Authority (LESJWA) and launched
Lake Watch to create awareness and engage the community, local and regional
resource agencies and private businesses to take part in our efforts to prepare
for and address the vulnerability of Lake Elsinore. This year, the City has
relaunched its Lake Watch efforts to get prepared and regularly inform the
community about the health and concerns of our most valuable asset - Lake Elsinore.
Find out more at www.lake-elsinore.org/LakeWatch2016
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