SUBMITTED ARTICLE
MONTEREY COUNTY — The Monterey County Health Department and Resource Management Agency are alerting those already at Lake San Antonio or those who plan on visiting the lake over the holiday weekend to be aware that tests have confirmed that the South Shore area of the lake is experiencing a harmful algal bloom.
The bloom is visible as a greenish scum on top of the water. People should stay out of the water where water is visibly green or where signs have been posted. The toxin from this algae can make people sick and can kill pets.
People are advised to:
- Stay out of the water until further notice
- Do not touch the scum in the water or on shore
- Do not let pets or other animals drink or go in the water
- Do not eat fish from this water
This water cannot be used for drinking or cooking, even boiled it is dangerous.
County Park Rangers are handing out detailed information about the algae, precautions and alerting campers what areas of the lake can be used and what areas should be avoided. The North Shore area is not impacted by the algae.
Campers should also be aware that there is a bottled water order already in place in the South Shore area that is not related to the algae situation. Those coming to the lake and plan to be in that area should bring their own water for drinking or cooking.
