PROVO, Utah, Aug. 22, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Officials closed Lindon Marina at Utah Lake on Wednesday due to harmful algae that continues to pose a health risk to the public and pets.
The most recent water sample results showed cyanobacteria cell count-concentrations exceeding the recreational danger threshold, prompting the closure, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality said in a news release. Utah County Health Department has now posted “closed/danger” signs at Lindon Marina.
The Lincoln Beach and Marina was also closed for the second time during the 2018 season last week due cyanobacteria cell concentration and remains closed.
“Water with these levels of concentration in the algal bloom can pose serious health risks,” said Ralph Clegg, executive director of Utah County Health Department. “To protect the health of people and animals that use the lake, it is necessary for these portions of the lake to remain closed until it is safe for recreation.”
The rest of Utah Lake remains at warning level due to cyanobacteria cell concentration. A warning level means direct contact with the water is not advised. Boaters should take caution and avoid areas of scum. Algae may move or disperse depending on temperature, wind, and weather. People using the area are advised to be mindful of conditions, as they may change over the course of the day.
“Although blue-green algae are a natural part of many freshwater ecosystems, under the right conditions they can grow rapidly,” the news release said. “High levels of nutrients in the water, combined with warm temperatures, abundant sunlight, and calm water, can promote growth, resulting in extensive blooms. These blooms consist of cyanobacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae, a type of bacteria that poses risks to humans, wildlife, domestic animals, and fish.” Symptoms of exposure include headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and sometimes allergic-like reactions from skin contact.
DEQ’s Division of Water Quality routinely samples Utah Lake. Updates are posted on DEQ’s website here.
For concerns about possible human exposure, call the Utah Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222, or your physician.
