Yolo County’s Cache Creek, Lake Washington under health advisory due to toxic algae blooms

A health advisory was issued for Cache Creek and Lake Washington on Saturday afternoon due to the presence of harmful algal blooms.

Recent testing of the water revealed “concerning levels” of cyanotoxins, which are caused by harmful algal blooms, Yolo County Administrative Officer Gerardo Pinedo said in a press release.

The county has put Cache Creek Regional Park Lower Site under a danger advisory, which prohibits all water contact including watercraft use. Camp Haswell, a campsite next to the creek, was put under a caution advisory instructing residents to avoid swimming.

Lake Washington, which was previously under a danger advisory, has been downgraded to a caution advisory due to tidal flows, according to Pinedo. Both advisory levels urge residents to refrain from using the water for drinking or cooking, allowing pets to approach the water and consuming fish or shellfish from the area.

Cyanotoxins are caused by cyanobacterial blooms, which can vary in color, emit a foul odor and often occur in warm, stagnant and nutrient-enriched water, according to the press release. These toxins can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, headaches and more severe health problems if ingested.

This story was originally published August 18, 2024 at 10:47 AM.