Officials monitoring toxic algae blooms at Zion National Park

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Officials at Zion National Park are monitoring toxic algae blooms in water bodies throughout the park.

Officials say they are observing the Virgin River and streams for toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. Officials are asking visitors to not drink stream water anywhere in the park. Instead, they are asking visitors to carry water or filter directly from a spring.

North Fork of the Virgin River and North Creek is under a ‘warning’ advisory, which means there is potential for short-term effects like rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or long-term illness. Popular areas that come under this advisory include The Narrows, Pine Creek, Deep Creak and Emerald Pools.

La Verkin Creek, Timber Creek and Hop Valley Creek are under a ‘health watch’ advisory which indicates evidence that a bloom may exist or become more severe.

According to the Utah Department of Environment Quality, during ‘Health Watch’ and ‘Warning’ advisory levels, officials recommend against swimming or submerging your head in the water. During ‘Danger’ advisory levels, recreators should consider avoiding all contact with the water.

What is Cyanobacteria?

Cyanobacteria also known as “blue green algae”, are photosynthetic bacteria found in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water in many places throughout the world. When people are exposed to cyanotoxins, they can experience a range of symptoms that include a mild skin rash, serious illness, or in rare circumstances, death.

If you are unsure of how to identify a harmful algal bloom, the DEQ has photos online showing the different types of blooms. Exposure to harmful algae blooms can lead to skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and sometimes death, the DEQ said.

If you come into contact with a harmful algal bloom, you should remove yourself from the “source of exposure” and call the Utah Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.