Update: On June 1, the City of Alameda posted on Facebook [1] that recent water quality testing confirmed that no harmful algae are present in the Southshore lagoon system. “Please use SeeClickFix to report any issues with the lagoons or any other maintenance needs: https://seeclickfix.com/us-ca-alameda/report [2],” the post stated.
The City of Alameda is having water from all five lagoons tested for toxic algae after Alameda West Lagoon residents reported that dogs had gotten sick and died after playing on the beach.
[3]Alameda officials confirmed that samples were sent to a lab in Sacramento late last week, according to an ABC News report [5] posted on Friday, May 23. Results were not expected until sometime this week, officials stated.
“The City’s lagoons are saltwater or brackish, but we are being cautious and doing a complete panel,” the City’s statement noted. “We are also coordinating with the East Bay Regional Park District because the water comes from the Bay and is released back to the Bay.”
The problem at Alameda West Lagoon was first reported on Facebook [6] last Tuesday, May 20, by the Alameda West Lagoon Homeowners Association (HOA), warning residents about the situation.
“We have received a confirmed report of a dog getting sick and dying after playing on the beach while the lagoon was lowered,” the HOA post stated. “We also have an unconfirmed report of a second dog death.”
The post also stated that testing of water from several lagoons had been authorized “to determine if there are Cyanotoxins in the water.” Finally, the HOA post encouraged residents to use “extreme caution” and not allow pets or people to play in the water until testing is complete.”
Lagoon resident Julia Stevens told ABC News that she doesn’t allow her dog to go into the lagoon. She also said, “I would expect the City to inform us of the safety of that water and the status of it.” She and other residents want the City to take better action.
“What is their process and system for maintenance and addressing water quality issues?” she asked. Stevens also said there should be “signage everywhere that says absolutely this water is not safe, don’t go into it—but there is nothing like that right now.”
Another Alameda resident, Molly Graham, also told ABC News she doesn’t let her dog go into the lagoon, especially after seeing algae in other parts of the East Bay. “You should know ahead of time to stay away from it.”