ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) — It is a lagoon that covers roughly 4 miles of the island of Alameda – a spot residents and pets take pleasure in, however this week a Fb submit from the Alameda West Lagoon HOA is alarming canine homeowners within the space.
“It was actually regarding. The lagoon has at all times been part of Alameda and as a lifelong resident now we have at all times had some considerations concerning the water,” stated Julia Stevens, Alameda resident.
The Fb submit alerted residents a couple of canine that acquired sick and later died after taking part in on the seashore and an unconfirmed report of a second canine demise within the space.
Julia Stevens would not let her canine within the lagoon.
“I’d anticipate the town to tell us of the protection of that water and the standing of it,” stated Stevens.
The HOA stated the water can be examined for poisonous algae. We spoke to Cal State College, East Bay assistant professor of Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Research Tony Marks-Block about what poisonous algae can do to a people or pets.
“It might trigger extreme nerve harm to folks in the event that they ingest them and identical with any type of pet,” stated professor Marks-Block.
In an announcement, the town of Alameda confirmed they took samples from all 5 lagoons and are doing a whole toxicity panel, including “that can take a look at for each recent and saltwater dangerous algae. The samples had been pushed to a lab in Sacramento yesterday, however we don’t anticipate outcomes till subsequent week. The Metropolis’s lagoons are saltwater or brackish, however we’re being cautious and doing a whole panel. We’re additionally coordinating with the East Bay Regional Park District as a result of the water comes from the Bay and is launched again to the Bay.”
Alameda resident Molly Graham stated her golden retriever loves the water, however she additionally would not let her go into the lagoon after seeing algae in different components of the East Bay.
“It occurs on a regular basis at Lake Chabot with algae so when it will get actually scorching, and the water is low and is stagnant, that’s when to watch out along with your canine – you must know forward of time to keep away from it,” stated Graham.
Why does this occur?
“It may very well be a mixture of things it may very well be elevated temperatures; water temperatures alongside improve vitamins create situations for various algae to proliferate and develop quickly and so they can both then depilate oxygen ranges or they’ll additionally create these toxins,” stated professor Marks-Block.
Residents are asking the town to take motion.
“What’s their course of and common system is for upkeep and addressing water high quality points or signage in every single place that claims completely this water is just not protected do not go into it – however there may be nothing like that proper now,” stated Stevens.
Town stated they anticipate the algae take a look at outcomes subsequent week.
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