ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. – The Alpine County public health director is urging caution to those who are attending Kids Fishing Day on Saturday, June 10.
Dr. Richard Johnson recommends the following:
– Attend the event with your children
– Leave your dogs at home
– Minimize contact with the water as much as possible
– Since any toxin is stored in the liver of a fish, gut the fish, wash it carefully, and enjoy your meal
The Alpine County Health Department (ACHD) has been working with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) in determining that there are levels of toxin associated with blooms of blue-green algae in Indian Creek Reservoir in Alpine County that are toxic to animals and humans.
Levels at Indian Creek Reservoir are above the 0.8 µg/L “Caution” Action Trigger level established for posting signs at recreational waters for the protection of human health. STPUD, who manages the property, posted caution signs at Indian Creek Reservoir to warn lake users to stay away from algae and scum in the water.
The water has been tested at Kiva Beach, Lake Baron, Regan Beach, Conolley Beach, and El Dorado Beach. CA Water Boards tested the water in May but there were no bloom advisories. Water testing of samples did not detect the presence of harmful algae bloom produced by cyanobacteria. The water at Lake Baron is being retested though after a suspected illness was reported.