Harmful algae blooms pop up in Utah Lake, Zion National Park – what to know

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — As we head into the summer months, Utahns will be getting out to enjoy the several bodies of water and reservoirs the Beehive State has to offer. But with warmer temperatures and abundant sunlight comes the risk of harmful algae blooms growing on the water.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued several warnings about harmful algae in Utah’s water, particularly on Utah Lake and in Zion National Park.

Harmful algae have reportedly been found in the middle of Provo Bay at Utah Lake, prompting officials to warn residents not to drink the water. Residents are also advised not to swim, paddle or water ski in areas of algae and to keep dogs and other pets away from the blooms. It is OK to fish in the water, but be sure to throw away any skin and guts.

The North Creek and Virgin River areas in Zion National Park have also seen an increased bloom of harmful algae, according to the Utah DEQ.

“Avoid touching or disturbing algae mats. Avoid primary contact recreation (swimming and submerging the head) when recreating in [these areas],” the DEQ warns. “Do not drink in-stream water anywhere in the park. If you must filter water, do so directly from a spring source.”

Testing is also expected to begin at other bodies of water across the state, including the Mantua Reservoir, where algal blooms have plagued the water.

What are harmful algae?

Also known as blue-green algae, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality said the blooms are not actually algae at all. It is an aquatic bacterium known as Cyanobacteria that photosynthesizes like a plant.

The DEQ said these harmful blooms occur naturally in bodies of water all over the world, particularly when nutrient levels are high, there is abundant sunlight, warm temperatures and stagnant waters.

If the conditions are right for several days or even months, cyanobacteria can multiply and form large blooms that can cover an entire lake. Blooms generally die and disappear after about a week or two, according to the DEQ, but toxins can linger for days after a bloom dissipates.

How harmful are harmful algae?

Harmful algal blooms can cause irritations and illnesses if you come into contact with them. In the worst cases, harmful blooms have been known to cause permanent organ damage or even death.

Humans and pets that come into contact with harmful algal blooms can experience irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory systems. Accidental ingestion of harmful algae can lead to abdominal pain, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney or liver damage and neurological symptoms.

If your pet has been exposed to harmful algal blooms, the DEQ advises looking for symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, stumbling or muscle tremors, loss of appetite, rashes, difficulty breathing and in serious cases, seizures or paralysis.

DEQ said if you or your pet comes into contact with a harmful algal bloom, rinse off with clean fresh water as soon as possible and remove yourself from the source. You are also encouraged to call the Utah Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222, as experts trained in toxicology can answer any questions and advise you on medical or veterinary treatment.

To stay up to date on the latest reports of harmful algal blooms in Utah’s bodies of water, visit the Department of Environmental Quality website here.