With summer fast approaching, toxic algal blooms are beginning to pop up at Inland Empire lakes, posing a threat to people and their pets.

The blooms of cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, often look like streaks of spilled paint.

Their presence has prompted state and regional officials to urge lake visitors to take precautions.

In recent weeks, “caution” advisories have gone out for Lake Elsinore and Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County, Puddingstone Reservoir at San Dimas in Los Angeles County, and Silverwood Lake in the San Bernardino County foothills. Signs were posted around those lakes specifying what activities should be avoided.

State officials said the signs at Silverwood Lake were taken down early this week after tests confirmed copper sulfate treatment had eliminated the threat there, for now.

Mary Fahey, a spokesperson for the California Department of Water Resources, said via email, however, that visitors should still look out for and avoid algae and scum, both in the water and along the shore.

Fahey wrote that “patches of algae may still be present in the lake, such as in back coves where the treatment could not reach.”

It’s important, too, said West Bishop, an algae scientist and water quality research manager with EutroPHIX, to recognize that tests represent a snapshot in time of a particular water sample.

“It’s likely to come back at some point,” said Bishop, who is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and treated Silverwood, a State Water Project reservoir, for a bacteria bloom several years ago.

Two other prominent Inland Empire reservoirs — the State Water Project’s Lake Perris near Moreno Valley and Metropolitan Water District’s Lake Skinner near Temecula — aren’t under advisories, officials said.

Pets are especially vulnerable

There are three levels of advisories issued when harmful bacteria is present in the water: caution, warning and danger.

Under current caution advisories, swimming is generally permitted. But people are urged to stay away from algae and scum, to avoid drinking the water or using it for cooking, to not eat shellfish from the lake, and to keep pets out of the water.

“Dogs are very sensitive to toxic algae and can ingest it when they lick their fur after swimming,” Fahey wrote.

It’s OK to eat fish caught in a lake under a caution advisory, officials said, but the guts should be thrown away and filets should be cleaned with tap water or bottled water before cooking.

Adam Gufarotti, Lake Elsinore community support manager, said the advisory there won’t prevent the 11th Annual Dream Extreme Fishing Derby from taking place Saturday, May 18.

Nor will it halt boating activities, he said.

Rebecca Kimitch, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Water District, said a caution advisory covers all of Diamond Valley Lake, the huge drinking-water reservoir near Hemet.

Diamond Valley is 4.5 miles long, 2 miles wide and 250 feet deep, when full.

Among other things, a sign at the marina warns visitors to keep children away from algae, and not to use the water for drinking, cooking or cleaning fish. Instead, fish should be cleaned with tap water or bottled water.

Swimming is never allowed at the reservoir, Kimitch said.

Swim season approaching

At Puddingstone Reservoir in Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, however, people can swim in a designated area during the season.

Derek Elleri, lake aquatics manager at for Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, said the swimming season will begin on schedule Memorial Day weekend, despite the advisory there.

Visitors are allowed to fish, boat and get out on the water with stand-up paddle boards and personal watercraft, Elleri said.

“We’re at the caution level,” he said. “We tell people to be mindful of the risks and try to avoid contact where they can.”

Elleri said workers spotted algae growth at Puddingstone a couple weeks ago.

It was “almost like a paint sheen on the water,” he said.

Test results received Monday, May 13, confirmed harmful bacteria in the 250-acre lake, he said.

When bacteria levels rise higher and “warning” advisories are issued, swimming is forbidden at affected lakes, according to a state website.

Under a “danger” advisory, visitors are asked to avoid eating fish caught at those lakes as well, and to stay out of the water.

Algae problem grows

The timing of the bacteria blooms’ appearance at some Inland Empire lakes before the summer heat arrives is cause for concern.

“It’s definitely concerning, not necessarily a surprise, unfortunately,” said Bishop, the algae expert.

Such blooms are occurring earlier and lasting longer around the country, Bishop said, as reservoirs age andaccumulate nutrients and as climate change fuels a rise in water temperatures.

Other factors include increasing carbon dioxide levels and stronger ultraviolet light penetration, Bishop said.

The cyanobacteria blooms are dangerous because they can produce many different toxins — ones that harm the liver, kidneys, brain, digestive system and skin, he said.

“I don’t want to be a fear monger, but these toxins have been likened to ricin and cobra venom,” he said.

According to posted signs, toxins can irritate peoples’ eyes and cause skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea. Pets can also suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and convulsions, and even die.

Because the bacteria are so toxic, Bishop said, “We need to get this under control.”

Bishop said one of the biggest needs is to reduce the nutrient load in lakes. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus pile up as rain washes residential and agricultural fertilizer, human waste and animal waste into bodies of water.

“These nutrients jumpstart these blooms, and allow these blooms to achieve higher densities,” he said.

Silverwood Lake is more than 50 years old and, as a result, has accumulated many nutrients, he said.

Lake Elsinore, Southern California’s largest natural freshwater lake, also has much nutrient material because it’s at the end of the San Jacinto River drainage.

“With that all sitting there and accumulating, there is very little flushing out,” Bishop said.

Lake Elsinore also is shallow. So it tends to heat up earlier than other area lakes, Bishop said.

Oxygen-rich bubbles are helping

In Lake Elsinore, city officials are taking steps to address the problem.

Gufarotti, the community support manager, said the city on Feb. 6 launched a “nanobubble” technology project. The $2 million system purchased from Hawthorne-based Moleaer uses microscopic gas bubbles 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt to release oxygen in the water.

“It’s introducing oxygen-rich bubbles at the bottom,” Gufarotti said.

It’s a two-year pilot project focused on the eastern part of the lake, he said, adding that the city may expand the system to cover the entire lake after the trial period ends.

Elevated bacteria levels — which were in the lower part of the caution range — were detected at two of five monitoring sites, Gufarotti said. Those are near the West Marina and Perret Park.

Harmful bacteria wasn’t detected at three other stations near the nanobubble equipment, Gufarotti said.

Gufarotti told the Lake Elsinore City Council in a Tuesday, May 14, report that the lake is clearer and bluer than it was this time last year because of the project.

Chris Stephan, Moleaer global director of sales for surface water, said there is more oxygen in the lake and less harmful algae.

Still, summer is around the corner and rising water temperatures will present a challenge.

“Water holds less oxygen when it’s hot,” Stephan said.

Gufarotti said the city, in addition to deploying the nanobubble system, is gearing up to apply a treatment to kill algae twice a month.

“The summer is going to be tough,”  he said. “And we’re going to fight back.”

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LAKE ELSINORE, CA — With May Gray at the coast, now is the perfect time of year to explore and visit Southwest Riverside County. Visit Temecula Valley has launched its newest campaign, “10Lake Valley,” a campaign focusing on eight communities and 214 square miles of lakes, rivers, cities, mountain peaks, and fertile valleys of Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Visit Temecula Valley CEO Scott Wilson discussed the push to showcase the SoCal wildlands.

“To me, the 10 Lake Valley idea is that this is the ultimate outdoor playground in our area. You get out there in your own backyard,” Wilson said. “My favorite is hiking around Lake Skinner, and Diamond Valley Lake is massive. It’s beautiful and picturesque for fishing and boating. More, to create core memories with your family.”

Area residents regularly hike, bike, fish, boat, or hot-air balloon over much of our slice of Riverside County.

Jogging trails around Diamond Valley Lake, hiking trails along the Santa Rosa Plateau, and camping at Lake Hemet are only some of the area’s hidden gems.

“For the people who play on the edges and carve their own paths, who never leave a scenic route untaken, or a vista unviewed, the combined efforts of the initiative shows the varied regions that Southwest Riverside County has for residents and visitors to enjoy.

One of the top and most recognizable destinations is Temecula Valley Wine Country, spanning over 2,460 acres of vineyards with nearly 50 wineries. But there is much more to the area than that.

Where are the 10 Lakes Of Southwest Riverside County?

Within Southwest Riverside County, there are ten lakes, all distinct for their beauty, water sports, and fishing. They mirror the surrounding communities of Canyon Lake, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, San Jacinto, Temecula, and Wildomar:

“These enchanting waters nourish our spirits, flourish our lands, and cultivate a refreshing sense of serenity and connection. So whether you’re here for thrills and watersports or chilling out on the water in the sun, these 10 lakes will stir your soul,” according to the website.

1. Canyon Lake: Welcome to the paradise of this close-knit lakeside community. When you visit,enjoy the hiking, pubs, and clubs and the sprawl of lakes and beaches.
2. Diamond Valley Lake: Surrounded by mountains, come to enjoy the stunning vistas. Home of “monster-sized” fish, you can rent boats or e-bikes at the marina, or walk the 22.7 mile trails around the lake.
3. Heritage Lake: A 1.3 mile walking trail surrounds this 25-acre lake. Come to use outdoor exercise equipment, sports equipment and children’s play areas.
4. Lake Elsinore: Ideal for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, skydiving, hang-glide, wingsuit or boat, jet ski, and windsurfing.
5. Lake Hemet: Fishing and camping lovers, the mountain lake of Lake Hemet offers glamping and lakefront cabins, boat rentals and a swim zone. Seasonally stocked with rainbow and lightning trout, and fish year-round for blue gill, crappie, bass and catfish.
6. Lake Perris: Birdwatchers paradise, this lake is ideal for hiking, biking, scuba diving, water sports, nature walks, horseback riding and fishing.
7. Lake Skinner: Camping, picnicking, splash pad, hiking, horseback, riding, sailing, fishing and non-body contact boating. Day use available. The location of the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.
8. Menifee Lakes: Surrounded by two 18-hole golf courses, this lake stretches over 36 acres of waterways this lake is an idyllic backdrop of golfers, casual walkers and hikers.
9. Mystic Lake: Another birdwatcher’s paradise, Mystic lake sees 200 identified species of birds annually and sits adjacent to a 9,000 San Jacinto Wildlife area.
10. Vail Lake: Visit the KOA campground and check out the lake for bass fishing, bike park, a world-class bike park with 25-miles of trails, obstacles, flow track and races for mountain biking and BMX.

While Lake Skinner is a reservoir, with no body contact but fishing and boating allowed, lakes like Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Hemet, and Lake Elsinore attract visitors interested in water sports like fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, boating, water skiing, and jet skiing.

The project was in keeping with the statewide initiative to get tourism on track. To do that, extensive research was conducted, deciding on the locally known but not often shared outdoor activities around our many lakes. The result was the 10Lake Valley website and ad campaign, built to educate those who wish to come, stay, and play here. Financing for the project was bolstered by 2022 ARPA funds, according to Wilson.

Chuck Washington, Riverside County’s Third District Supervisor, discussed the project to expand local tourism beyond the valley.

“What many people don’t know about Southwest Riverside County is that there are many unique areas waiting to be discovered, and that’s what 10Lake Valley is all about,” Washington said. “I am immensely proud of this initiative, which showcases the incredible beauty of our region and creates new opportunities for exploration and adventure for our visitors.”

Learn more by exploring online at 10lakevalley.com.

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The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) had scheduled its 15th annual fundraising walk to be held at Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet on Oct. 24 with five affiliates involved in the event: NAMI Mt. San Jacinto, NAMI Temecula, NAMI Western Riverside, NAMI Inland Valley-San Bernardino and NAMI San Bernardino Area.

Brenda Scott, a NAMI member since 1999 and Executive Director of the NAMI Mt. San Jacinto member, is serving as the Inland Empire Walk Manager. She said the decision was made in August to change the walk to a virtual setting and a different date.

“The first date was October 24, but we changed it because this year October 10 is the National Day of Hope for Mental Health and it’s also World Mental Health Day,” Scott said. “We had to work with our national organization to learn how to do a virtual event. There was marketing material that had to be changed and we all had to learn how to market this differently. Most of our advertising has been on social media.”

This year’s theme of “NAMIWalks Your Way” refers to the fact that because the event is virtual, participants can do whatever they like: ride a bike, do yoga, cook, swim or anything else they like to do. A list of suggested ways to engage individually or with a team is offered at namiwalks.org.

“We will have a Facebook live event which will stay on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/inlandempirewalk,” Scott said. “We have hired someone to facilitate the event who has experience with this. He will also share his personal story while hosting the event.”

Vernita Black is captain for this year’s 14-member team Never Give Up Hope, which could also serve as a testimonial about her personal life. A disabled veteran who retired from the military after serving 21 years of combined service in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy, she said she encountered several medical situations that led to both physical and psychological wounds.

“Anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD and other psychological issues played an essential role in my invisible and visible wounds upon my exit from the military,” said Black, of Hemet. “After leaving the military, I searched for help on all levels to continue to thrive for a fulfilled life.”

She said attending a NAMI meeting in Riverside opened her eyes and saved her life.

“I will never forget the profound words, compassion and care that I received that day,” Black said. “I was all in and wanted more. I liked the fact that the organization was dedicated, supportive and willing to help those with lived-in experiences brought on by mental illness.”

She became a member and continued to receive help towards her recovery. She became more involved and engaged in the overall healing process of mental illness. With her Doctorate degree in Education Counseling Psychology, she now provides help to others in need. She serves as board president of NAMI Western Riverside County and is passionate about serving as an advocate for mental illness. Black said NAMI inspired her to write a book titled “The Invisible Wounds of Stress: Inside and Out” to help others realize that understanding and managing stress is crucial for the overall healing process. Black said joining in the NAMI walk is important to her because mental health matters.

“It was not until I joined the walk that I realized how it helped me spiritually, physically and mentally,” she said. “There are no limitations that can stop me from participating in this walk.”

The walk itself is not the only virtual change for the local chapter according to Scott.

“Our support groups and classes have moved to a virtual platform so we are easy to access. We do weekly family support groups and have had numerous family education classes on Zoom this year,” she said. “NAMI Family to Family is an eight-week virtual education class that is done now on Zoom. We have so many calls from families that need support in understanding their loved ones’ mental health symptoms. Also, our family support groups in English and Spanish are very popular.”

While NAMI chapters are normally busy assisting those in need, Scott said the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an exacerbation of pre-existing mental health issues for some members resulting in more calls seeking support.

“The classes and groups have been a lifesaver for families who experience these challenging questions on how to support their relatives. We have had a substantial increase in calls due to more mental health symptoms during the pandemic,” Scott said. “We’ve seen lots of depression and anxiety and some cases of psychosis for people who are very traumatized by this pandemic and a changing world.”

She said there has been a 50% increase in calls and a 100% increase in people seeking support groups. She said the family group is now held once a week rather than the previous twice a month meetings.

Scott said that anyone that wants to walk for mental health on Oct. 10 is welcome and anyone can access the event online. This is the year’s biggest fundraiser for the group and hopes are to exceed the $35,000 raised from last year’s walk. Scott added that she hopes that the virtual event gives more people an opportunity to learn about NAMI.

“We ask that they add the hashtag #NAMIWalksIE or #NAMIWalksInlandEmpire so we can find their social media posts,” she said.

Information, 951-765-1850 or www.namiwalks.org/InlandEmpire

-Diane A. Rhodes

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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Fire Chief Scott Brown said Simpson Park, just east of Diamond Valley Lake, will be closed Monday and will not re-open until fire threats are minimal. “The Fire Department remains committed to keeping the community safe from the threat of wildfire”, Brown said.

The chief said his closure move dovetails with Riverside County Fire Chief Shawn Newman’s decision to declare seven recreational locations off limits to hikers, off-roading enthusiasts and others starting Monday and continuing until wildfire season ends, which is generally November.

Newman received authorization from the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to close the grounds, which has occurred yearly since 2007. The following locations fall under the county’s closure order:

— Avery Canyon, along Gibbel Road, east of State Street in southeast Hemet;
— Indian Canyon and North Mountain in San Jacinto;
— Minto Way in Sage, north of Aguanga;
— Nuevo, east of Menifee Road and San Jacinto Avenue;
— Ramona Bowl and Bautista Canyon, southeast of Hemet;
— Reinhardt Canyon, north of state Route 74 and California Avenue in Hemet;
— Whitewater Canyon, near Cabazon.

The Ramona Bowl is just over a mile north of Simpson Park. Each spot is surrounded by rugged, inhospitable terrain. Closure signs will be posted at entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties.

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