Recent water samples taken at El Dorado Beach and Nevada Beach in Lake Tahoe showed no detectable levels of toxins associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Lahontan Water Board) and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) conducted sampling on July 8 and July 10 at these locations. This followed an investigation prompted by a social media post about a dog’s death after visiting these beaches. The California Interagency HAB-related Illness Workgroup led the investigation.
Results from Nevada Beach indicated a low level of saxitoxin in a sample from a nearby shallow pond that is fenced off. Further fencing is recommended by Lahontan Water Board and NDEP to restrict access for dogs and their owners. Based on their findings, Lahontan Water Board does not advise against visiting El Dorado Beach due to HABs, while NDEP advises no advisory for Nevada Beach itself, though a “HAB Watch” advisory is issued for the pond area.
The City of South Lake Tahoe had previously posted a blue-green algae alert at El Dorado Beach. Anyone suspecting HABs is encouraged to report it at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/do/bloomreport.html for investigation. Additional information about HABs and current reports can be found at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html and a statewide waterways report map at https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html.
There is ongoing investigation into a “caution” alert for the south end of Indian Creek Reservoir in Alpine County and certain areas of the Tahoe Keys. It’s important for the public to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic algae before entering any water with algae present.