Utah County Health issues warning about harmful algal blooms

PROVO, Utah — The Utah County Health Department has issued a warning advisory for multiple areas of Utah Lake.

The Department said sampling had detected high concentrations of harmful algae at

• American Fork Marina,
• Lindon Marina,
• Saratoga Springs Marina,
• Lincoln Marina,
• Utah Lake State Park,
• Sandy Beach, and
• Provo Bay.

Visitors are advised not to swim or water ski in the above areas. Those boating on the lake are asked to avoid areas of algae. Those fishing on the lake are asked to clean their fish well and to discard the guts appropriately.

And if pets are taken to the lake, pet owners are asked to keep their animals away from the lake. Also, do not drink the water and don’t allow your pets to drink the water.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, harmful algal blooms (HAB) appear in bodies of water when toxic forms of algae begin to grow in excess. At this point, they are visible atop the water.

Algae is not a plant, but a bacteria. And bodies of water, whether they are fresh or saline, all contain algae. 

Other reading:

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• Developer discusses plan to revive, restore Utah Lake
• Environmental officials have grim prediction for Utah’s water quality picture

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