Diamond Valley Lake Closed to Recreation Because of Large Blue-Green Algae Bloom Covering Lake, Producing Cyanotoxins
June 21 2018 - 8:53PM
Business Wire
Bloom not affecting safety, quality of Metropolitan’s treated
drinking water
Recreational activities at Diamond Valley Lake have been
temporarily suspended by the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California because of a bloom of cyanobacteria—also known
as blue-green algae—covering the lake.
All recreational activities, including boating, fishing and
hiking, have been suspended at the lake near Hemet in southwest
Riverside County until further notice.
Metropolitan water quality experts, however, assured the public
that the quality of the district’s treated drinking water has not
been affected.
“This is a recreation issue, not a drinking water issue,” said
Dr. Mic Stewart, Metropolitan’s water quality manager.
“We don’t want folks coming into contact with or fishing in this
water,” Stewart said. “We are not using DVL as a drinking water
source right now. Even if we did, our processes for withdrawing the
water from the lake and treating it will ensure its safety.”
The algae bloom—one the largest ever seen at the lake since it
opened to the public for recreation in October 2003—is caused by
naturally occurring organisms that have produced large areas of
green water and mats of green scum floating on the lake. Blue-green
algae blooms are common this time of year because of the warm
weather. The bloom is releasing cyanotoxins, which in high
concentrations can be harmful to humans and animals, especially
when ingested.
Recreational activities at the lake could be suspended for a
week or longer, officials said. Metropolitan continues to monitor
the blue-green algae bloom and test cyanotoxin levels and will lift
the suspension when conditions improve.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a
state-established cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies
serving nearly 19 million people in six counties. The district
imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to
supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop
increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other
resource-management programs.
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Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniaRebecca
Kimitch(213) 217-6450(202) 821-5253, mobileorBob Muir(213)
217-6930(213) 324-5213, mobile