Water in several Tahoe Keys lagoons has been tainted by blue-green algae since Aug. 11. Photo/LTN

By Kathryn Reed

Results from the latest water samples in the Tahoe Keys reveal blue-green algae still lurks in the canals.

“Levels of cyanotoxins are still present, but compared to levels detected on Aug. 28 it appears that toxin levels are decreasing,” Mary Fiore-Wagner with Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board told Lake Tahoe News.

Sept. 6 is when the last samples were taken. Results came in Sept. 13.

The toxic levels remain at caution. This means the signs posted throughout the South Lake Tahoe neighborhood will remain. Contact with the contaminated water is a risk to humans and pets.

“The cooling temperatures we have experienced the last few weeks are an environmental factor that is likely helping to limit cyanobacteria growth and algal blooms,” Fiore-Wagner said.

Water will continue to be monitored until the threat is gone.

Blue-green algae occurs naturally. Scientists don’t know what causes it or makes it goes away.