The murky and muddy mystery about what's in the Oakland Estuary water has been solved. Tests show harmful algae blooms or 'red tides' are present in the estuary, as well as the Bay side of Alameda, and in Lake Merritt.
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control BoardWhile there isn’t a huge risk to humans if they come in contact with it, water and health officials said it could cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning eyes. The algae and tainted water is also considered harmful to pets, especially dogs.
It is highly recommended that people and their pets stay out of the water until the blooms dissipate.For more than three decades, Jeff Frankel and his wife have lived on the San Francisco Bay side of Alameda, in the Ballena Bay community who said they’ve never seen anything like this. Officials said the algae is toxic to fish and aquatic life, accounting for some changes neighbors are seeing including fewer fish.For now, scientists and water quality experts say the only solution is to let nature take its course, which could take several days, weeks, or longer.
Several agencies report the harmful algae appearing on both sides of Alameda, in the Oakland Estuary, and in Oakland’s Lake Merritt, which connects to the estuary. Warning signs have already been posted around Lake Merritt to deter people and animals from going near the water.