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State authorities issued a danger advisory for San Luis Reservoir in Merced County on Friday due to toxic levels of blue-green algae in the water.
The Department of Water Resources said people should avoid contact with the water and avoid eating fish or shellfish from the lake.
Boating will be allowed but swimming and other water-contact recreation is not considered safe, the department said. Pets should also be kept away.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can cause eye irritation, rashes, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms resembling colds and the flu. Exposure to the algae can be fatal to dogs that swim in the water.
Harmful Algal Bloom (HABS) advisory just issued at San Luis Reservoir. HABS are algae or cyanobacteria growths that can cause harm to animals & people. Californians should be aware about HABS when recreating at rivers & lakes. Info: https://t.co/ZR8Bwe9rSl pic.twitter.com/b70BQypBZB
— State Water Board (@CaWaterBoards) July 1, 2022
The department said the algae conditions can change rapidly due to wind and wave actions that can move the bloom, which may accumulate to form mats, scum or foam.
The department noted that common water purification techniques such as camping filters, tablets and boiling do not remove the toxins.
The reservoir, just west of Los Banos, is popular for fishing, boating, camping and picnicking.
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