Watch out for algal blooms in Utah Lake
Sep 24, 2024, 8:00 PM
An example of what an algal bloom can look like. Officials are warning people recreating on Utah Lake to be aware of algal bloom, as they can be dangerous for humans and animals. (Utah Department of Environmental Quality)
(Utah Department of Environmental Quality)
AMERICAN FORK– An algal bloom is currently present in Utah Lake at American Fork Beach.
The bloom produces harmful toxins in the water that can make humans and animals sick.
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality says if you visit American Fork Beach, do not swim, water ski, or drink any of the water.
They also say to keep animals away from the lake and to thoroughly clean any fish caught, discarding their “guts.”
However, people are able to recreate in the area of the lake. But the Utah Department of Environmental Quality says that if you see any algae in the water, avoid the area.
What is an algal bloom?
A harmful algal bloom happens when algae grows excessively in any body of water, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health.
Algae blooms come from certain environmental conditions, such as warmer water temperatures.
The most common way for humans to get exposed to algal bloom toxins is from fish they catch and eat, or swimming in or drinking the lake water.
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality says that algae blooms often appear in shades of green or blue.
“The texture of blooms may resemble spilled paint, green globules, surface scum, foam, floating mats, or grass clippings,” they said on their website.
