Lake Elsinore Back Open, But City Says Beware of 'Bodily Contact' (2024)

Feel free to go boating, but you may not want to jump in the water just yet.

Posted Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 2:31 pm PT|Updated Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 2:33 pm PT

"Effective today, August 4, 2016, the City will officially reopen Lake Elsinore to recreational activities including boating and fishing," the city said in a news release. "However, visitors are still urged to use caution for bodily contact."

The city says the latest water quality samples turned back a "reasonable decline in toxins" following the recent cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, bloom.

"While the levels have declined, toxins still exist in the lake particularly near the algae and scum," the city said, adding that though "...the latest sampling results showed a decline in the toxin levels caused by cyanobacteria, some of the toxins still exceeded some of the recommended recreational health thresholds."

That means it's okay to take your boat into the water, but you may still want to avoid swimming and continue keep your pets out, the city said. Also, they say to rinse off with fresh water if you do happen to come into contact with any lake water.

The lake was first closed on July 28 when the harmful algae was found by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP).

Here's more from the city on the latest and how you can help keep yourself safe:

Public safety remains the City's number one priority. Therefore, visitors to Lake Elsinore are advised 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.
• Exposure to toxic algae can cause rashes, skin or eye irritation, allergic reactions or gastrointestinal problems, and can also be fatal to dogs.

Several water and algae samples were taken from Lake Elsinore on Monday, August 1, 2016. While the latest sampling results showed a decline in the toxin levels caused by cyanobacteria, some of the toxins still exceeded some of the recommended recreational health thresholds.

Blue-green algae is present in most freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems. Excessive growth of blue-green algae can lead to these types of algae blooms, which can be harmful. Lake Elsinore has a long history of algae blooms, which are very common during the summer months when temperatures increase. Algae blooms are common in other natural waterbodies around the country. As the algae dies off, toxins can be produced. Concerns regarding blue-green algae have been on the rise throughout the Country in recent years as evidenced by the recent closures of Pyramid Lake in Los Angeles County, Lake Temescal in Oakland, and Discovery Bay in the Delta. Today, Silverwood Lake announced it, too, would be closed to swimming due to a recent blue-green algae bloom.

To ensure the safety of visitors to Lake Elsinore, additional sampling of the lake is planned for Monday and will likely continue weekly until the lake improves.

While it is extremely unfortunate that Lake Elsinore is in its current condition, there is little that can be done for Southern California's largest natural freshwater lake. It is a natural lake that is reliant on rainfall. And, with little to no rainfall for the last five years, the Lake is suffering as the lake level has fallen to its lowest level in more than 23 years.

The City and the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District currently add more than 5 million gallons of water a day to the lake. But, it is not enough to sustain the 4 ½ feet of water lost each year to evaporation. Without the recycled water, the Lake would likely be 12 to 14 feet lower than it is today.

Lake Elsinore remains extremely vulnerable. The City has relaunched its Lake Watch program to proactively prepare for the possibility of a fish kill in the coming months.

The City will keep the community and our stakeholders informed about additional information as it becomes available.

Thank you for your attention and interest regarding this matter.

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(Image via Flickr User ...Russ..., Creative Commons)