DVL closed till further notice due to toxic algae bloom

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News release from Metropolitain Water District:

June 21, 2018
DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE CLOSED TO RECREATION BECAUSE OF LARGE
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE BLOOM COVERING LAKE PRODUCING CYANOTOXINS
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.
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The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative of 26 cities and water