Blue-green algae at Martinez Marina poses concerns for people, animals

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KGO) -- The City of Martinez is warning people about an algae bloom at the local marina.

Officials are worried it could be harmful to people, pets and wildlife.

The warning signs are up all around Martinez Marina advising people to avoid contact with the water.

This is why. This photo, along with others, was taken by the East Bay Regional Park District of the blue-green algae found and tested this week.

"We did have testing that confirmed that there were elevated levels of cyanobacteria in the water," said Eve Kearney with the City of Martinez. "When you have stagnant water, warmer conditions, not as much movement in the water, it does cause algae to grow."

City officials say you shouldn't swim in the affected areas, and you should keep your pets away from the water.

Authorities say the biggest thing is don't to let your pets in or drink the water.

MORE: Dog deaths at Alameda lagoon prompts testing for potential toxic algae

Dog owners Lynn Dichian and Wendy Dichian from Martinez didn't know about the warning.

"I'm very worried. I've heard of many dogs dying from that algae. It's a big concern," said Lynn Dichian.

"We don't want anyone to be sick, especially our animals. It's good they put the warning out and let us know," said Wendy Dichian.

Last year, blue-green algae blooms showed up at a number of East Bay parks. You could see the green tint at Livermore's Lake Del Valle. Red danger signs went up there.

RELATED: Toxic algae bloom shuts down 2 popular East Bay lakes

This year, at Martinez Marina, it's an orange warning sign again, letting people know that toxins from algae in this water can be harmful, even fatal.

"You don't want dogs jumping in there, jumping around," said Luis Marques, a former Hayward resident. "Be extra cautious of what you are doing around the water, because it can creep up on you."

As for how long and how wide an area the advisory spans...

"This is actually just for the Martinez Marina waters. Where the boats are, where the boat ramp launch is, and only in the marina area. The Martinez shoreline that we share with East Bay Regional Park District -- that area is unaffected. It's not part of this advisory," Kearney said.