The California Water Quality Monitoring Council convened on December 5, 2024, to discuss critical updates regarding water quality monitoring activities, particularly focusing on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in various lakes across the state. This meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and environmental health as the summer season approaches.

One of the primary topics was the pre-holiday sampling conducted at several popular recreational lakes, including Big Bear Lake, Lake Hemet, and Lake Elsinore. Notably, Big Bear Lake showed concerning results, with one sample from Boulder Bay returning a dangerous level of microcystins at 117 micrograms per liter, prompting a cautionary advisory for the area. This location is frequented by the public for swimming and fishing, making the findings particularly significant for community health.

Lake Hemet also raised alarms, with two samples indicating the presence of cyanobacterial blooms and microcystins just below caution thresholds. As a precaution, a lake-wide caution advisory was recommended. Similarly, Lake Elsinore's monitoring revealed elevated microcystin levels at a boat ramp, leading to a broader advisory for the lake to protect visitors.

The meeting also addressed ongoing monitoring efforts for other lakes, including Lake Evans and Mystic Lake, where caution advisories were issued due to persistent blooms and visual assessments indicating potential health risks. The council emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and public awareness, especially as recreational activities increase during the warmer months.

In conclusion, the discussions underscored the critical role of water quality monitoring in safeguarding public health and the environment. The council plans to continue its vigilance in tracking harmful algal blooms and providing timely updates to the community, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy California's lakes safely.