Contra Costa County Health: Don't Swim in Discovery Bay

Contra Costa County health officials are advising people to avoid swimming in bodies of water in the Discovery Bay area because of the presence of potentially harmful blue-green algae.

Contra Costa Health Services and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board issued the warning Monday after preliminary field tests indicated the presence of the algae, which can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation or other health problems.

Dogs are particularly vulnerable to getting sick from the blue-green algae, which is also known as cyanobacteria. Last year, a dog in the North Bay died a horrible death after swimming in contaminated water.

• See: Dog Dies Following Swim in Russian River

So far, no one in Discovery Bay -- located on the eastern end of Contra Costa County -- has reported becoming ill because of the algae, which can look like green, blue, white or brown foam floating on top of bodies of water.

"We want people in the area to be on the lookout for water with green material floating," Dr. Marilyn Underwood, Contra Costa Health Services' director of environmental health, said in a statement. "Even if you're not sure it's blue-green algae, it's best if your family and your dogs do not go in the water," Underwood said. "When in doubt, stay out."

Samples taken from the man-made bay have been sent to state and federal labs to confirm the findings, with results expected back in about a week, county health officials said. If the results confirm the presence of the algae, warning signs will be posted in Discovery Bay.

The potential contamination affects only recreational water areas, not tap water in the region, county health
officials said.

— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock