Contra Costa Environmental Health Warns Of Toxic Algae Bloom

DISCOVERY BAY, CA — Residents of Discovery Bay and anyone boating in or around the community of Discovery Bay are encouraged to stay safe and keep their pets safe, too, by staying out the water where harmful algae blooms have been found.

The state Water Resources Control Board recently tested water in and around Discovery Bay and found several samples taken near Windward Bay, Clipper Bay and Discovery Bay Yacht Club contained dangerous amounts of cyanobacteria toxin, officials with Contra Costa Environmental Health said Tuesday.

Contact with the toxin produced by the bloom can make people and pets very sick.

A bloom is a buildup of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, that creates a green, blue-green, white or brown coloring on the surface of slow-moving waterways.

Warning signs have been provided to the harbor master and Discovery Bay Community Services District.

"Everyone should follow the instructions on the signs and stay out of the water," officials said.

"Keep children and pets on shore, away from the blooms, and do not touch or handle algae in the water or scum on the shoreline. It is also unsafe to drink or cook with water in these areas, or to eat fish or shellfish caught in or near them."

Mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs has complete information and resources about harmful algae blooms —or HAB — including an online map showing where high concentrations of the toxin have been reported across the state of California.