Lake water tests negative for toxins

Water samples from the lake were taken recently by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) and Canyon Lake POA. Testing was conducted on the samples and none contained significant levels of toxins, the Canyon Lake POA reported.

The samples were taken from five locations in Canyon Lake on Aug. 17. Samples were taken from Happy Camp, Sierra Park, Sunset Beach, Indian Beach, and Holiday Harbor.

The samples were tested and no significant levels of microcystins or cyanotoxins were detected at any of the five locations sampled.

Yellow caution signs like this are kept up throughout the year around the perimeter of the lake. The lake water was recently tested and no toxins were found. If significant levels of toxins are present, the signs are replaced with orange or red warning signs. Friday Flyer File Photo.

Microcystins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are also known as blue-green algae and are ubiquitous in surface water when conditions are favorable for growth and formation of algal blooms.

There are permanent Yellow Caution signs around Canyon Lake advising residents to use caution around all forms of algae. These Yellow Caution signs remain posted year-round unless testing indicates higher levels of cyanobacteria are present. If higher levels are determined to exist, orange or red signs are posted as appropriate, the POA said.

As with any lake, ocean, or river in the nation, Canyon Lake’s aquatic ecosystem cannot be compared