Toxic algae tests underway on samples from South Lake Tahoe beach

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Authorities are testing water and algae in the Kiva Beach area after a man reported the death of his dog after allegedly being in Lake Tahoe behind Tallac Historic Site a week ago.

The death of the dog came to the attention of Lahontan Regional Water Quality Board late Wednesday, August 21. The following day they were joined by the El Dorado County Environmental Health Department along the stretch of beach the dog's owner said they were at the previous Sunday. They spoke with the owner and retraced their steps that day.

Agency staff did not see the typical visible signs of harmful algae (floating scum, floating algae, green/blue colors at the surface) where the dog had played in the water. Lahontan still took samples of algae off a rock one foot down from the surface as well as from the water. Those genetic test results are not expected until the end of the week or just after Labor Day, according to Lahontan Assistant Executive Officer Doug Smith.

Caution signs have been posted in the area as a precaution. Smith said physical evidence of harmful algae was not present when they were at the location.

Smith said there are three levels of warnings/signposting at sites where toxic algae is reported, suspected or confirmed.

A 'Caution' comes where there are algae sitings but harmful concentrations are not suspected. A 'Warning' says don't go swimming and don't drink the water. Levels of toxins are low at this point but above caution levels. 'Danger' postings say there is confirmed toxicity at that spot and to stay away. There is currently nothing above a 'Caution' level in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Smith said.

"Dogs don't have 'the yuck filter' as humans do," said Smith of water. Humans know to be careful or use caution, but pets don't as they see water as something fun to play in, or drink.

Smith did say it is always wise to keep an eye on pets playing near water and to stay away from stagnant ponds. While he hasn't seen anything believed to be harmful at any of his visits to the beach with his dog, Smith did say the pond at Tallac may be a different story.

"Nobody saw any signs that it looked like harmful algae," said Smith as they walked Kiva Beach behind Tallac Historic Site. "But we were there four days after it happened."

There have been no other reports made to Lahontan of other suspected toxic algae areas in the lake though the Tahoe Keys are at a 'Caution' status. Nearby, at Indian Creek Reservoir, a 'Caution' status is also in place and at Red Lake, there was a 'Danger' status issued in 2018 with no updates since. A report is released by thehttps://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/ on all areas with any of the three statuses.

If anyone has any questions or would like to report suspicious areas, contact Doug Smith at 530.542.5453.

What are the signs of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)?
- Small blue-green, green, white, or brown particles in the water
- Streaks in the water that look like spilled paint
- Mats, scum, or foam at the surface or along the shoreline
- Can have an odor described as gasoline, septic, or fishy