Swimmers and boaters are being warned to give a wide berth to the waters of Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County after the detection of a toxic algal bloom, per an advisory from California's Department of Water Resources. The advisory, which was announced via a KTLA report, cautions locals about harmful cyanobacteria, better known as blue-green algae, now flourishing in this beloved recreational lake.

According to the DWR, there’s no definitive way to tell at a glance if an algal bloom is the toxic kind, although they do give off some tell-tale signs such as small blue-green, green, white, or brown particles in the water, streaks that resemble spilled paint, not to mention mats, scum, or foam at the water's surface or along the shore, blue-green algae can also emit unpleasant odors, which some describe as smelling like gasoline, septic, or fishy. The DWR has stated, "Always keep yourself and pets away from algal blooms," underscoring the potential health risks associated with toxic algae, but it’s important to remember that not all algae are harmful even though certain types can produce toxins dangerous to both humans and animals, caution advisories like this are not taken down until tests show toxin levels have receded to safe margins for at least a fortnight as per a KTLA article.

The problem of algae blooms has been observed to worsen as the cocktail of climate change, aging infrastructure, and human activities alters water ecosystems across the state, experts have noted that conditions such as warmer water temperatures can accelerate the growth or "bloom" of these algae. The LA Times cites that such ecological disruptions are increasingly common and problematic.

Recreational users of Silverwood Lake are urged by the DWR to exercise caution and steer clear of any contact with the water when indications of blue-green algae are apparent; if toxins are indeed present, they can have adverse consequences on health, the Department confirms that these advisories will remain in place until they can confirm a diminution of the harmful algal blooms to satisfactory levels, consequently ensuring a safe environment for the public and their pets, as detailed in the LA Times report.