Tulare Lake, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, is now a mostly dry lakebed in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The lake has been shrinking since the late 1800s due to water diversion for agriculture and other human activities, and is now only a fraction of its former size.

The waters that remain in Tulare Lake are highly contaminated with a variety of pollutants, including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and heavy metals. These contaminants have come from a variety of sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and wastewater treatment plants.

The contaminants in Tulare Lake have had a devastating impact on the lake's ecosystem. The lake is now home to only a fraction of the plant and animal species that it once supported, and many of the remaining species are struggling to survive.

In addition to the contaminants, Tulare Lake is also home to a large population of egrets. Egrets are wading birds that feed on fish, frogs, and other small animals. The egrets that live in Tulare Lake are also contaminated with pollutants, and they are often seen with deformities and other health problems.

The contaminants in Tulare Lake pose a serious threat to human health. The water is not safe to drink or bathe in, and the fish are not safe to eat. The contaminants can also cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and nervous system damage.

The state of California is working to clean up Tulare Lake, but the process is slow and expensive. It will likely be many years before the lake is safe for human use again.

In the meantime, the people who live near Tulare Lake are advised to avoid contact with the water and the fish. They should also be aware of the health risks associated with the contaminants in the lake and take steps to protect themselves.