Update: Health officials lift algal bloom warning at Pineview Reservoir

Pineview Reservoir. Photo: Flickr/denebola2025

WEBER COUNTY, Utah, Sept. 10, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Officials have lifted a warning about the recreational use of Pineview Reservoir after a potentially harmful algal bloom was confirmed ten days ago.

A tweet from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality Monday morning said: “Warning signs of a harmful algal bloom at Pineview Reservoir are coming down after results of water tests taken Friday were below detection limits.”

Officials warned on Sept. 1 that people, pets and other animals should avoid ingesting water or having contact with scum.

A news release from the Weber-Morgan Health Department said staff members have been monitoring the lake and have now pulled samples from the five major public access points to the lake. “None met the threshold for posting a warning at this time,” said Michela Harris, environmental health director for the Weber-Morgan Health Department.

Health officials continue to encourage the public to stay clear of areas where algae
accumulates. High levels of nutrients in the water, combined with warm temperatures,
abundant sunlight, and calm water, can promote algae growth.

“Algae may move or disperse depending on temperature, wind and weather,” Harris
added. “So, sampling and monitoring will be ongoing for the foreseeable future.”

For concerns about possible human exposure, call the Utah Poison Control Center
at 800-222-1222.

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