Home » Health And Safety » Toxic Algae In Pyramid Lake Prompts Warning From State Officials
Toxins from algae in the water at Pyramid Lake prompted officials to issues the following warnings to water enthusiasts and pet owners
Toxins from algae in the water at Pyramid Lake prompted officials to issues the following warnings to water enthusiasts and pet owners Photo courtesy pyramidlake.us

Toxic Algae In Pyramid Lake Prompts Warning From State Officials

State officials are warning boaters and swimmers about the danger of toxic algae in Pyramid Lake, which can cause serious illness.


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The California Department of Water Resources issued a warning for those who use the lake to avoid direct contact with or use of waters containing blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria.

The algal bloom can appear as blue-green, white or brown foam, scum or mats that can float on the water’s surface and accumulate along the shoreline and boat ramp area. Blue-green algae can pose health risks, particularly to children and pets.

Water from the swim beach at Pyramid Lake’s Vaquero Day Use Area was tested using a field test kit on July 6 and showed a reading of 10 micrograms of microcystins per liter, a level that prompts the issuance of a “Warning” health advisory and the closure of the swim area.

The Vaquero Day Use Area remains open for picnicking and other shoreline activities, but picnickers are not allowed in the water.

A “Caution” advisory issued last week remains in place for the remainder of the lake, including Emigrant Landing Swim Beach.

The Emigrant Landing Swim Beach is open for swimming. Field test strips provide faster results than laboratory testing but do not yield definitive results. Samples have been sent to a laboratory for additional analysis.

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Bloom conditions can change rapidly, and wind and waves may move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of the lake. “Warning” signs have been posted at Vaquero Swim Beach, and “Caution” signs remain posted at other locations around the lake.

Visitors to Pyramid Lake are urged to choose safe water activities while recreating there. They should avoid swimming and ingesting the water in the Vaquero Beach bloom area and avoid ingesting the water elsewhere in the lake.

Pets should be kept away from the water in all areas under advisory. Exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea and cold and flu-like symptoms. Pets can be especially susceptible because they tend to drink while in the water and lick their fur afterwards.

Ed. Note: This information was taken from a news release provided by the California Department of Water Resources.

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Toxic Algae In Pyramid Lake Prompts Warning From State Officials

One comment

  1. FYI, pyramidlake.us is for Pyramid Lake in Nevada, not Pyramid Lake, California.

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