‘Toxic’ organism forces closure of several California lakes
A bloom of toxic blue-green algae recently forced the closure of three East Bay lakes to swimmers. Quarry Lake in Fremont, Del Valle in Livermore, and Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton are all off-limits to people and pets due to the dangerous water conditions, per ABC 7. The East Bay Regional Parks District has posted signs at the lakes warning people to avoid contact with the water. A less severe caution advisory has been issued for Lake Temescal in Oakland, Lake Anza at Tilden Park in Berkeley, and Contra Loma Reservoir in Antioch. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are natural organisms that tend to bloom in areas with low water levels, warm temperatures, and stagnant water. These conditions can cause the algae to release toxins that can be harmful to people and animals.