Regan Beach closes for season; Harmful algal blooms detected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Regan Beach started its winter closure on Friday, a little ahead of schedule. Out of an abundance of caution, the City of South Lake Tahoe closed early after harmful algal blooms were found at the beach. They had the presence of Antatoxin-A (cyanobacterial).

The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board detected the harmful algal and the City is currently in the process of posting caution signage to indicate that children and pets should be kept away from the algae in the water and on the shoreline. Pets should be prevented from entering or drinking the water in this area due to harmful effects on their health.

Lahontan will resample to confirm the presence of the detected Anatoxin-A, however, the City has made the determination to close the beach to protect public health and safety.

The beach will remain closed for the winter per normal seasonal operations.

These blooms are not directly related to runoff issues or other manmade causes; they often occur when the lake levels are very low and the shoreline is warm and conducive to excessive algal growth, including those in the cyanobacteria family.

For more information on algal blooms, visit http://ow.ly/HKu150GoK9M.