I read in the Record Bee that on Aug. 15 Scott De Leon, director of Lake County Water Resources,  requested diversion of funds from algae harvesting to weed abatement.  

I am appalled at the request and particularly appalled that it was approved by the Board of Supervisors unanimously.  

This while triple-digit heat yet no one in the water at the public beach because it is overwhelmed with algae and health warning signs posted.     

Businesses like Main Street Café and Cactus Grill have outside eating areas that can’t be used because of the foul stench.

How many lakeside resorts in Clearlake have had reservations canceled because the water looks and smells like a sewer?

How can you in good conscience, representing this area, vote for funds to be diverted away from algae harvesting? Instead, shouldn't you be demanding an accounting of where they are harvesting and to what effect? In the waters around Clear Lake it would appear they are not being effective.

I read the studies found on the Lake County Water Resources Web site done by UC Davis.

In addition to recommendations to control nutrients coming into the lake, there also was the recommendation to use aluminum sulfate across the lake to remove phosphorus from the water to reduce the growth of algae. This has been used on many lakes including in California and when applied correctly is safe for fish.  

According to these authors, such an application would improve the water quality in 2013 and be continued for several years.

Please ask that this vote moving funds from algae harvesting be restored. Also please ask why we haven't considered using aluminum sulfate to control the growth of algae.

Mark Burkdoll lives in Clearlake, Calif.