Is Salton Sea safe? Toxic algae status
Riverside County, California. Harmful algal bloom (blue-green algae) reports from the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Data checked 24 October 2026. California data is updated daily.
14
bloom reports since 2017
5 of 8
years with a bloom reported (2017–2024)
10
advisories recommended: 10 Caution, 0 Warning, 0 Danger
Year by year
Each box shows bloom reports logged that year, coloured by the highest advisory recommended.
Reports at Salton Sea are most often logged in January, February and July.
Recent reports
| Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 14 February 2024 | North Shore Beach and Yacht Club | Caution |
| 1 January 2023 | Desert Shores | Bloom reported |
| 1 January 2023 | Salton Sea State Recreation Area | Caution |
| 23 August 2022 | State Recreation Area | Caution |
| 21 May 2018 | Salton Sea, near State Recreation Area Beach | Caution |
| 21 May 2018 | Salton Sea, near Salton Sea State Recreation Area | Caution |
| 17 July 2017 | Bombay Beach, Salton Sea | Caution |
| 17 July 2017 | Salton Sea Varner Harbor | Bloom reported |
| 17 July 2017 | Salton Sea NE Lagoon | Bloom reported |
| 17 July 2017 | Salton Sea North Shore Beach | Bloom reported |
| 15 February 2017 | Salton Sea, North Shore Beach | Caution |
| 15 February 2017 | Salton Sea, Varner Harbor | Caution |
What the results mean
Algae may be present. Stay away from scum and discoloured water, and keep pets and livestock from drinking it.
Toxins at higher levels. No swimming, and keep pets and children well away from the water.
High toxin levels. Stay out of the water and off the shoreline.
Dogs and toxic algae
Dogs face the greatest risk because they swallow water and lick algae off their fur. If a bloom has been reported, keep dogs out of the water and away from scum on the shore. If your dog swims in water that might have algae, rinse it with clean water straight away and call a vet if it seems unwell.
Nearby lakes with bloom records
Common questions
Is Salton Sea safe to swim in?
The most recent entry in California's published data is from 14 February 2024: caution (North Shore Beach and Yacht Club). Blooms have been recorded at Salton Sea in 5 different years, so treat green, scummy or discoloured water with caution. For current conditions, check the California HABs Portal map and posted signs.
When does Salton Sea get algae blooms?
In the state's records, reports are most often logged in January, February and July. Blooms are most likely in warm, calm weather, but they can appear at other times of year.
Source: California State Water Resources Control Board, official data. This page is independent and not affiliated with the State of California.