PROVO, Utah, Aug. 30, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah County Health Department officials have updated advisories related to the algal bloom in Utah County water bodies.
Changes in advisories are based on recent testing results and monitoring, according to a news release from the UCHD, and are as follows:
Utah Lake
- American Fork Marina: changed from a CAUTION to WARNING advisory
- Sandy Beach: remains at WARNING advisory
- Saratoga Springs Marina: remains at WARNING advisory
- Lincoln Beach: remains CLOSED
- All other areas remain at a CAUTION advisory
Payson Lakes
- McKellen Lake: changed from a CAUTION to WARNING advisory
- Box Lake: remains at a WARNING advisory
- Big East Lake: remains at a WARNING advisory
The UCHD last increased advisories in three water bodies on Aug. 22. The department, along with Utah Department of Environmental Quality, will continue to monitor and test bodies of water showing signs of algal blooms.
In areas with a CAUTION advisory, swimming and other water activities are allowed, however, the public should stay out of areas of scum. In areas with a WARNING advisory, boating activities are allowed, but the public should avoid areas of scum. Pets and livestock should not be in or drink the water at any advisory level.
Although algae are a natural part of many freshwater ecosystems, under the right conditions they can proliferate to create large algal blooms. These blooms can contain harmful cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae, that produces toxins that can pose risks to humans, wildlife, domestic animals and fish.
Symptoms of cyanotoxin poisoning include headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and sometimes allergic-like reactions from the skin. For concerns about possible human exposure, call the Utah Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222, or a physician. For concerns about possible exposure to animals, contact a veterinarian.
Updates are available here.
