Harmful Algal Blooms not found at El Dorado Beach or Nevada Beach

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The water samples collected at El Dorado Beach and Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe were "non-detect" for toxins associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Lahontan Water Board) and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) collected water samples on July 8 and July 10 at the two beaches, El Dorado Beach in California and Nevada Beach in Nevada.

The viral social media post of a dog dying after visiting those two beaches was immediately investigated by the two agencies. The samples were part of the investigation into the dog's death by the California Interagency HAB-related Illness Workgroup.

At Nevada Beach, results for a sample taken from a shallow pond not connected to the lake contained a very low level of a cyanotoxin called saxitoxin. The pond is partially fenced off and the Lahontan Water Board and NDEP are recommending further fencing to prevent dogs and their owners from accessing the area. The locations of water sampling were determined based on an interview with the reporting party by the Workgroup.

The Lahontan Water Board recommends no advisory at El Dorado Beach for HABs and NDEP recommends no advisory at Nevada Beach for the lake itself. NDEP has issued a “HAB Watch” advisory specific to the backwater pond at Nevada Beach.

The City of South Lake Tahoe had posted a blue-green algae alert sign at El Dorado Beach.

If a member of the public suspects HABS they are asked to file a report on https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/do/bloomreport.html so it can be investigated.

More information about HABs can be found at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html. There is also a current report map for waterways throughout the state - https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html.

Alpine County has a "caution" alert for the south end of Indian Creek Reservoir that is currently under investigation as are some areas of the Tahoe Keys.

Not all algae is toxic algae, and the public should familiarize themselves with the difference before heading into any water that has algae.