Inyo County California

August 28, 2024

The County of Inyo has closed Diaz Lake to water-related activities due to the discovery of harmful blue-green algae blooms. 

Facilities at the recreation area will remain open and camping is still available, however the public is restricted from entering the water – whether swimming, boating, or fishing. The blooms are particularly harmful to pets, and they should be kept out of the water as well. 

Blue-green algae – a common cyanobacterium – exist all over the world and are generally harmless unless certain conditions, such as increasingly warmer waters, cause a rapid accumulation of blooms in a water body. The algae produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals when they come into contact with the affected water.

In humans, exposure to blue-green algae can cause the following health effects if they touch, swallow, or inhale airborne droplets of the water: stomach pain, rash, headaches, coughing, watery eyes, nose irritation, and sore throat. According to the Center for Disease Control, more serious symptoms such as liver damage, seizure, and irregular heartbeat can occur.

Animals – including pets, livestock, and wildlife – can fall extremely ill or die if they swim in or consume large amounts of contaminated water. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of energy, stumbling and falling, and seizures.

The blooms at Diaz Lake are being closely monitored and the public will be notified when the risk has subsided.