LAKE PERRIS – (INT) - ‘No Swimming’ signs have gone up at Lake Perris, the southern terminus of the State Water project.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is urging visitors to avoid contact with the water at until further notice due to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).

Boating is allowed, but swimming and other water-contact recreation and sporting activities are not considered safe due to potential adverse health effects. Swimming is not advised.

Exposure to toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold- and flu-like symptoms. Pets can be especially susceptible because they tend to drink while in the water and lick their fur afterwards.

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

Story Date: June 20, 2019