Toxic algal bloom in San Bernardino lake prompts warning
California water officials are urging people and their pets to avoid Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County after a toxic algal bloom was detected in the reservoir. The Department of Water Resources has issued a caution advisory warning residents to avoid parts of the popular recreation spot until further notice due to the presence of harmful cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, in the water. Blue-green algae are a natural part of many ecosystems, but can grow, or “bloom,” rapidly under certain conditions including warmer water temperatures. Experts say the issue is getting worse as climate change, aging water infrastructure and human activities converge in water bodies across the state.