Harmful algal blooms found at two South Lake Tahoe beaches

“Remember this is extremely harmful and potentially deadly to pets. Please use caution if you decide to visit El Dorado Beach,” officials wrote in a Facebook post.

Harmful algal blooms could look like green, blue, red or brown scum on the surface of water and potentially be toxic for humans and pets, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. People and their pets are advised to stay away from water that smells foul or appears green.

California’s Water Quality Monitoring Council maintains a web portal where people can report harmful algal blooms. It also links to resources to help people understand and protect themselves and their pets.

In Lake Tahoe, more algal blooms have appeared in recent years due to climate change warming the lake. The lake also recently reached an alarmingly low level — below the basin’s natural rim — another measure of California’s historic drought.

South Lake City officials have closed Regan Beach “through the season.”

It was unclear whether the city would close El Dorado Beach as well. Representatives with the city of South Lake Tahoe were not immediately available for further information.