08/24/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/24/2023 12:46
An aerial view of Silverwood Lake, a large reservoir in San Bernardino County, California on May 13, 2023.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is urging the public to avoid contact with water at Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County until further notice due to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).
A warning advisory was put in place today, and remains in effect for the entire lake until further notice. Boating is allowed, but swimming and other water-contact recreation and sporting activities are not considered safe due to potential adverse health effects. For more information on warning level advisory, go to Harmful Algal Bloom websiteunder Advisory Signs.
Advisories are based on the potential health risks from algae. Exposure to toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, 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. Keep pets away from the water.
Bloom conditions can change rapidly, and wind and waves may move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of the reservoir. The algal bloom can accumulate into mats, scum, or form foam at the surface and along the shoreline, and range in color from blue, green, white, or brown.
State guidelines on cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms recommend the following precautions be taken in waters impacted by blue-green algae:
For more information, visit: