Toxic algae warning upgraded to ‘danger’ at Lake San Antonio.
The Monterey County Health Department upgraded its algae warning for Lake San Antonio South Shore to “danger” on Saturday, noting the presence of harmful algal blooms in the water.
The notice gives the following warnings: ▪ While you can swim in the water, stay away from algae and scum.
▪ Don’t let pets and other animals go into or drink the water or eat scum on the shore.
The health department also notified water consumers on the San Antonio Lake Park South Shore Water System of possible water contamination because of the algae bloom, advising that bottled water should be used for all drinking and cooking.
Two dogs died last week after swimming in an affected pond in Napa County.
The California Department of Public Health says blue-green algae blooms occur most often in warmer months, and notes that dogs as well as sea otters have died as a result of toxic algae in past years.
Tribune reporter Lucas Clark and Sacramento Bee reporter Don Sweeney contributed to this story.
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