Health officials caution against water contact in Kern River, Lake Isabella

Kern County Public Health issued a cautionary notice for Kissack Cove at Lake Isabella and in the Keyesville Recreation Area and the Calloway Weird Area in the Kern River.

Health officials confirmed Wednesday that algae was at Kissack Cove after they found toxins.

Algae blooms are present and may be producing dangerous toxins in the Calloway Weir and Keyesville Recreation Area.

Warning signs will be posted around the affected areas in Lake Isabella and the Kern River and will advise:

• Stay away from scum, and cloudy or discolored water.
• Do not use these waters for drinking or cooking. Boiling or filtering will not make the water safe.
• Do not let pets or livestock go into or drink the water, or go near the scum.
• Do not eat shellfish from these waters.
• For fish caught here, throw away guts and clean fillets with tap water or bottled water before cooking.
• Call your doctor or veterinarian if you or your pet get sick after going into the water.

Further testing is being completed.