Blackridge Reservoir reopens just before seasonal closure

Blackridge Reservoir reopens just before seasonal closure

(Stacie Scott/Deseret News file photo)


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HERRIMAN — Blackridge Reservoir was reopened Monday after test results showed there is no cause for concern regarding toxins in the water.

Herriman city officials initially closed the reservoir Aug. 6 due to concerns of toxins in the water caused by algae, Herriman city director of communications Tami Moody said.

Alpine Technical Services and Earth Sciences Laboratories assisted the city in treating the reservoir to make sure it was free of algae.

Early test results showed there was not a concern of toxins, but the Utah Department of Health was concerned about the algae cell count, Moody said.

A concerning number would start at six parts per billion, and tests showed Blackridge Reservoir was at two parts per billion. After applying algaecide, which kills algae, the cell count is much lower, Moody said.

"We definitely wanted to make sure that there were no health concerns to the public, which was why we closed the reservoir in the first place," Moody said. "And we definitely felt better knowing that not only the toxin results, but the algae cell count levels came back showing no signs of cause for concern."

The Bischoff family expressed their excitement about the reopening. Living within walking distance from the water, the Bischoffs are regulars at Blackridge.

"I just want to splash around in the water and swim," said Sara Bischoff, 11. "When me and my sisters and brother go up there, we have water-gun fights and build sandcastles."

Rachel Bischoff, 18, said she wants to bury her siblings in the sand once more before the reservoir closes on Labor Day, but she is apprehensive about entering the water.

"It was already dirty with all the people swimming around in it all the time," she said. "Now it's even dirtier."

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The city is also making strides in addressing some of the concerns residents have about parking and other issues.

The city will be looking into starting a patron education program at the beginning of each season, which would remind patrons of the rules and regulations of the reservoir, including no dogs in the water, no open flames and no alcohol.

Herriman city is also considering painting red curb striping to remind cars not to park at intersections, and officials are looking into the costs of directional signs that would lessen the number of people driving around looking for the reservoir.

A parking fee is also under consideration, as is a parking permit program designed to allow residents in surrounding neighborhoods to park in front of their homes without concern for a parking violation.

Moody said they will have a public meeting to ensure a parking-permit program is something that would work and something residents would want.

Blackridge Reservoir is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Moody anticipates Labor Day will be busy.

Contributing: Tori Jorgensen

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