A series of major eruptions in the early 18th century battered the lakeside towns with earthquakes and volcanic debris.

This caused the waters to rise, eventually submerging several lakeside towns – the remnants of which are reportedly visible underwater to this day.

The poblaciones (town centres) of Lipa, Taal, Sala, Bauan, and Tanauan were abandoned and reestablished several kilometers away from the lakeshore after volcanic activity had subsided.

African and South American species, such as the Jaguar guapote, a large-bodied, large-mouthed, predatory piscivore, was found illegally[clarification needed] introduced into the lake.

The alien fish could proliferate in all areas of lake because of the abundant aquatic vegetation which they use for spawning and feeding, plenty of wild (often endemic) food, and a climate that resembles its native habitat.

Toxic sulfur and high level of hydrogen sulfide in Ambulong while low dissolved oxygen caused the deaths.

According to the scientists, the onset of the rainy season brought a sudden drop on the water temperature, which lowered the oxygen levels on the lake.

[23] In mid-2007, controversy ensued when the Korean firm Jung Ang Interventure was given clearance to build a health spa on Volcano Island along the lake's edge.

[24][25] On June 28, 2007, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) suspended the Korean firm's environmental clearance certificate, rendering them incapable of pursuing further construction on the island until they secure other necessary permits.

[26] Because of the unpopular public reaction to the project, the Korean company's permit was permanently revoked by the DENR in early July 2007.