Algae bloom does not pose any danger to drinking water supply
SAN DIEGO – Due to an algae bloom, the City of San Diego has posted caution signs at its Lower Otay Reservoir alerting the public to avoid water contact. Visitors to the reservoir are advised not to expose their skin to the water while the cautionary alert is in effect.
The algae bloom does not affect the safety or quality of the city’s treated drinking water. That’s because the city’s drinking water is treated using several processes, each providing additional water quality improvements. Using a method of treating the water multiple times provides many levels of safety and testing before water is delivered to homes and businesses.
Testing of the algae bloom revealed the presence of Cyanobacteria, also called “blue-green algae” at Lower Otay Reservoir. Further testing by city biologists determined that the Cyanobacteria algae bloom is producing Microcystin toxin, which can be harmful to humans and animals if their skin is exposed to the water or they ingest untreated water. Levels are at the cautionary stage and the city is taking voluntary measures to ensure public safety.
The city will continue to monitor the algal activity and conduct ongoing testing at the reservoir and provide updates as information becomes available.
Lower Otay Reservoir is one of nine major surface water reservoirs owned and operated by the City of San Diego. More information about the algae bloom is available at sandiego.gov/reservoirs-lakes/lower-otay-reservoir.
(City of San Diego Release)
