“The water at Blackridge Reservoir is temporarily closed due to the presence of algae,” the city posted on social media.
Harmful algae has recently been found in Utah Lake and its canals, which supply water to Blackridge, officials said. Salt Lake County will reportedly be conducting tests in the coming days to determine if the algae at Blackridge is harmful.
“Until results are confirmed, the water will remain closed as a precaution,” city officials said. “All water activities prohibited. Do not ingest the water or let animals near the water.”
These blooms form when “naturally occurring cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, multiply to high densities and form visible water discoloration, scum and mats,” according to the Division of Wildlife Resources. “Harmful algal blooms can look like pea soup, spilled paint, grass clippings or water that has a green or blue-green hue.”
This specific type of bacteria can produce several toxins that can affect liver, nerve, and skin tissue, according to the DWR. If you think there might be a harmful algal bloom in water that you are considering entering, officials say you should play it safe, stay out of the water, and avoid any contact with the scum.
If you are hunting, be sure to clean waterfowl and fish well with fresh water, and discard all guts. Additionally, hunters should be sure to keep their dogs away, as the toxins have proven fatal for pets in the past, according to the DWR.
See photos of harmful algal blooms below:
The exposure can happen through:
If you think your pet may have been exposed to a harmful algal bloom, seek immediate care from your veterinarian.
“Even with proper veterinary care, most exposures are fatal,” according to the DWR. “Prevention is the best way to protect your pet.”
You can report suspected harmful algal blooms by calling the Division of Water Quality at 801-536-4123. For more on what to look for if you’re concerned about a harmful algal bloom, visit the DWQ website here.
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