Visitors to Lake Pillsbury in Lake County are being asked to stay out of the water after the State Water Resources Control Board said tests confirmed the presence of toxic algae, according to the board’s news release Friday afternoon.

The tests were conducted with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and revealed high levels of cyanotoxins that pose a dangerous risk to both humans and pets.

After reviewing the test results, the agencies decided to put up “Danger” signs – highest advisory level ― around the lake, advises visitors to stay away from the water, including on water crafts, the release comments.

The algal bloom is particularly dangerous for children and dogs who are most susceptible to exposure. All visitors are asked to avoid eating fish and shellfish from the water or using the water for drinking or cooking.

Algal blooms can cause discoloration of the water and the development of a film or scum on the boiling water.

So far, no health effects have been reported from the reservoir, according to the release.

Toxic algal blooms in freshwater bodies are most often associated with warm, still, and shallow water conditions that can develop during the summer and fall. For more information on precautions, visit the state’s portal on harmful algal blooms .

Contact staff writer Anna Armstrong at 707-521-5255 or [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @annavarmstrongg.