Water tests close Sunset Beach, Happy Camp beach

Water samples taken from Canyon Lake’s beaches on May 8, have come back with elevated results for microcystins for Sunset Beach and Happy Camp Beach and as of Tuesday, the beaches have been closed. Meanwhile, the Canyon Lake POA has ordered more current samples and they have been rushed to a lab in Sacramento for further testing. The results are expected back by today when it is hoped the levels have dropped and will allow the reopening of these beaches in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

For several years, the Canyon Lake POA and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District have cooperated to test Canyon Lake’s recreational water prior to major holidays. Water samples from Happy Camp, Sierra Park, Sunset Beach, Indian Beach, and Holiday Harbor were taken and tested.

The beach at Happy Camp and Sunset Beach had elevated results for microcystins that were in the “danger” range on that date. That sampling was done prior to the recent Alum Treatment, which may have some effect on the current water conditions.

Those danger levels require that the Canyon Lake POA prohibit all recreational activity in the water at Sunset Beach and Happy Camp. “Danger” level signs are posted at those locations.

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. Holiday Harbor tested at the “caution” level. The Canyon Lake POA already has “Caution” signs posted at each launch ramp year-round and has for several years.

Throughout most of the month of March, nearby Lake Elsinore had multiple areas that tested above the danger levels. Those same areas at Lake Elsinore have recently tested at lower “caution levels.” Water bodies throughout California and nationwide can be affected by and monitor these conditions.

As with any lake, ocean, or river in the nation, Canyon Lake’s aquatic ecosystem cannot be compared to a swimming pool that is treated with chemicals to ensure water quality. When the lake is used for swimming, keep in mind that natural lake processes occur and there may be times that the water quality for recreation may pose a health risk.

Recently, the State Department of Water Resources began to test state facilities for the presence of harmful algae. Prior to 2013, there was no way to test for the presence of this naturally occurring algae bloom and it is very likely that most reservoirs have experienced this. Some general best practices guidelines regardless of any elevated test include:

Do not drink the water and try not to get water in your mouth

Do not eat algae or aquatic plants

Do not let pets enter the water (they are already not allowed in the lake water per Canyon Lake POA Rules & Regulations)

Do not go swimming if you have open wounds or cuts

Shower after using the lake

Humans who drink or swim in water that contains high concentrations of cyanobacteria or cyanobacterial toxins may experience gastroenteritis, skin irritation, and allergic responses. In conjunction with the State Water Board and the Department of Water Resources, three levels of color coded advisories have been established so visitors can be informed about the current water condition in a particular area.

First Level (Yellow Signs) = CAUTION: A caution warning indicates that you can swim in the water but you should avoid contact with algae and keep children away from algae. Do not drink the water or use it for cooking. Do not eat shellfish. Do not allow pets to enter the water.

Second Level (Orange Signs) = WARNING: A warning means that you should not swim. Stay away from scum or algae, do not drink or use water for cooking. Do not eat shellfish. Do not allow pets to enter the water.

Third Level (Red Signs) = DANGER: Stay out of the water including wading. Stay away from scum or algae, do not drink or use water for cooking. Do not eat shellfish. Do not allow pets to enter the water.

Bloom conditions can change rapidly, and wind and waves may move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of the reservoir. The algal bloom can accumulate into mats, scum, or form foam at the surface and along the shoreline, and range in color from blue, green, white, or brown.

State guidelines on cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms recommend the following precautions be taken in waters impacted by blue-green algae:

Do not let pets and livestock drink the water, swim through algal blooms, scum, or mats, or lick their fur after going in the water. Rinse pets in clean water to remove algae from fur.

Avoid wading, swimming, or water skiing in water containing algae blooms, scum, or mats.

Do not drink, cook, or wash dishes with untreated surface water from these areas under any circumstances. Common water purification techniques such as camping filters, tablets, and boiling do not remove toxins.

Do not eat fish or shellfish from this water.

Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, a family member, friend, pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to alert medical professionals to the possible contact with blue-green algae. Also, make sure to contact the local county public health department.

Yellow caution signs are posted year-round at the lake. With the latest test results, Happy Camp beach and Sunset Beach have been raised to “Danger Level” (red). Warning signage will be removed when microcystin levels subside.