ENVIRONMENT

Toxic algal blooms in Lake Powell, officials say stay away

Oct 11, 2024, 6:30 PM

Algae is seen on the surface of Utah Lake in Vineyard on Monday, July 3, 2023. Now Toxic Algal bloo...

Algae is seen on the surface of Utah Lake in Vineyard on Monday, July 3, 2023. Now Toxic Algal blooms are popping up in Lake Powell. (Megan Nielsen/Deseret News)

(Megan Nielsen/Deseret News)

PAGE, Ariz. — Toxic algal blooms are popping up in Lake Powell. National Park Service officials found them scattered around the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

The warm weather may make it tempting to go for a dip, but it’s also prime weather for algal blooms. Officials said to check if your destination is on the list of affedcted bodies of water.

Related: Watch out for algal blooms in Utah Lake

Ben Holcomb is the water quality manager at the Department of Environmental Quality. He said the blooms are extremely dangerous and that it’s important to avoid swimming in those waters.

“The main goal is to avoid accidental ingestion. There can be problems with dermal contact. You know, some people are more sensitive than others. And some people may get a rash,” said Holcomb.

Officials said it’s best to avoid even boating in these waters because the agitation can cause the toxins to become airborne and easier to ingest.

Holcomb said these toxic algal blooms are pretty easy to spot. In the water, they’re bright green and have swirling patterns.

“If it’s along the shoreline and if the water levels are coming down, it will kind of get stuck on the land. As it dries, it turns a very distinct cyan or turquoise color.” 

Holcomb said if you spot them, report it to the DEQ and avoid all contact with them.

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Toxic algal blooms in Lake Powell, officials say stay away