Family's dog killed by Utah Lake algae


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PROVO — A dog that played in Utah Lake and most likely drank some of its water died from exposure to blue-green algal toxin, leading authorities to issue public warnings Tuesday for swimming and boating in impacted areas.

Utah County Health Department officials said they were notified after the dog died when it became exposed to the toxin in Utah Lake near the Lindon Marina.

Commonly called "pond scum," the blue-green algae has built up in the area near the marina and is creating bright green areas that should be avoided by boaters and swimmers, health officials said.

"The dog owner reported that after playing in the water and probably drinking some, it started to exhibit strange behavior within 45 minutes, including lethargy and vomiting. The dog passed away shortly after that," said Dr. Joseph Miner, director of the Utah County Health Department. "Blue-green algae can grow quickly in what are called 'blooms' and can collect in slow-moving or stagnant water areas."

Water quality officials stress that algae blooms may be in other areas aside from the Lindon Marina, so precautions should be taken.

"Individuals should not swim or boat in areas of bright green water," said Carl Adams, Utah Department of Water Quality program manager. "The water is the color of car radiator antifreeze. It has a very distinctive color and should be avoided."

State water quality scientists have taken samples from Utah Lake and are awaiting official results to confirm the presence of cyanobacteria, department officials said Tuesday.

The bluish-green scum is not actually a true algae but a photosynthetic bacteria called cyanobacteria.

Cynobacteria grows when temperatures are high, the water is calm and flourishing with nutrients.

"75 percent of the nutrients could be prevented from flowing into the lake.The nutrients come from local waste water treatment plants," Walt Baker with the Utah Department of Water Quality said.

Symptoms of toxin exposure — which ultimately impact the brain and liver — include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness and/or difficulty breathing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said reports of cyanobacteria poisonings date back to the 1800s. Because they grow in recreational and drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency added them as a priority for investigation as a drinking water contaminant.

Environmental scientists with the Utah Department of Water Quality were on the lake Wednesday taking samples at various locations.

Scientist Robert Bird checked other aspects of the water. He found that the oxygen levels in the water are outside of a normal range.

"Oxygen levels when you get a bloom like that are fairly high and that is an indicator that you have algae growth going on," he said.

Ultimately, the weather will be a leading factor in how long the algae bloom remains in Utah Lake, but until it is gone, the precautions will remain in effect.

Contributing: Paul Nelson, Devon Dolan and Sam Penrod

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