July 16, 2026

Contact:
PIO@parks.lacounty.gov

WATER CONTACT ACTIVITIES CAN RESUME WITH CAUTION AT UPPER CASTAIC LAKE

Following posted advisories & safety guidelines is strongly recommended.

CASTAIC, Calif. (July 16, 2026) ­ – The California Department of Water Resources has determined that after its recent lake treatment on the Upper Castaic Lake, harmful algae levels are low enough to resume water contact activities at a “Caution” level.

(The Castaic Lagoon and swim beach are not impacted)

For the Upper Castaic Lake, water contact activities such as swimming, water skiing, fishing, using personal watercraft, kayaking, tubing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, etc. can now resume.

However, the following guidelines are strongly recommended:

• Follow all posted advisories

• Stay away from algae and scum in the water and on shore

• Watch children and pets closely

• Do not let pets and other animals go into the water, drink the water, or eat scum and algal accumulations on the shore

• Do not drink the water or use it for cooking

• Wash yourself, your family, and your pets with clean water after water play

• If you catch fish, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking

• Avoid eating shellfish from affected areas

For further information, please contact the Department of Water Resources:  www.water.ca.gov

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About the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation manages 184 parks, 9 natural areas, 15 wildlife sanctuaries, 42 public swimming pools, 25 splash pads, 14 lakes including 3 with swimming beaches, 250 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding; and the largest municipal golf system in the nation with 20 golf courses at 18 facilities. The department maintains four botanical gardens: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens, and Virginia Robinson Gardens. The department also owns the iconic Hollywood Bowl, and The Ford, providing County residents with valuable entertainment and cultural resources.  Visit: https://parks.lacounty.gov/