There are major concerns deep in the East Bay after dangerous levels of blue-green algae were found in Discovery Bay.
This comes as temperatures are rising and more people are out on the water.
Blue-green algae can cause rashes, respiratory problems, and if ingested, can cause liver and kidney damage along with death.
People KRON4 talked with were not aware of the warnings that have gone out in Discovery Bay. Seventy-five percent of the water that was tested came back with dangerous levels of blue-green algae.
It’s natural to have the algae in the water, but when it gets hot, levels of this can rise, and it can make you sick.
At the end of June, the Contra Costa Environmental Health Department tested 12 different areas in Discovery Bay. All of them had the blue-green algae.
Nine of the 12 had dangerous levels that were toxic, meaning it could get you sick or cause rashes. It could also produce nerve or liver toxins. Cases where people die are extremely rare, but animals have died after drinking the water in those areas in some cases.
Last year, two dogs died in the Napa area.
Some around Discovery Bay are very concerned.
The drought, low water levels, and even fertilizer used in nearby fields can all be to blame for this. As for solutions to this problem, there is not one on the immediate agenda.
As for the next tests to be done, the county says that they won’t start testing until the weather cools down.
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