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10/27/2024
WT Staff
 Got water questions? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email us at info@watertoday.ca
October 27, 2024 1154 am PDT
Lake Pillsbury HAB Danger advisory issued
High levels of toxins from harmful algal bloom
prompt ‘Danger’ advisory at Lake Pillsbury
News release October 25, 2024 Contact: Blair Robertson – Public Information Officer
LAKE COUNTY – Visitors to Lake Pillsbury are being urged to avoid water contact after
recent tests confirmed the presence of harmful algal blooms with high levels of
cyanotoxins that pose a threat to human health and pets. The test results prompted the
State Water Resources Control Board and North Coast Regional Water Quality Control
Board to recommend the posting of a recreational advisory of “Danger” and visitors are
encouraged to follow the below guidance until further notice.
The "Danger" level advisory means:
- Stay out of the water until further notice, including watercraft.
- Do not let pets and other animals drink or go into the water, or go near the scum.
- Stay away from scum, and cloudy or discolored water.
- Do not eat fish or shellfish from this water.
- Do not use this water for drinking or cooking. Boiling or filtering will not make the
water safe.
The North Coast Regional Board collected water samples at Lake Pillsbury at the boat
ramp near the resort on the western shore on Oct. 16 as part of the post-holiday
assessment monitoring program to inform the public of any public health water quality
concerns. The results showed microcystin concentrations over 3,300 ug/L, 165 times
above the recreational advisory of danger. Cyanobacteria, a group of organisms that
form harmful algal blooms, can produce potent toxins. Health risks are associated with
HABs as they produce dermatoxins that can cause skin inflammation, as well as
gastrointestinal distress, headaches, agitation and weakness, or abnormal breathing if
HAB material is swallowed while swimming.
Dogs and children are most susceptible to exposure because of their smaller body size,
increased potential to swallow water while swimming, and tendency to stay in the water
longer. If you suspect exposure, wash your children and dog immediately. Due to the
size and toxicity of the bloom with increasing temperatures and decreased precipitation
this time of year, the bloom may proliferate and alter its potential to produce toxins.
There have not been any reported health impacts to humans or their pets related to this
HAB.
The bloom occurring in the lake appears suspended on the water’s surface, though
bloom conditions can change rapidly, as the winds and waves move or concentrate the
bloom into different regions of the lake. In some areas, the bloom may concentrate and
form a film or scum on the water surface. The color of the water may also appear
discolored as bright or dark green and brown.
The Water Boards recommended physical signs be posted around the lake to keep the
public informed and will provide regular updates to inform the community when the
advisory is removed on the California HAB Reports Web Map.
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