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Editor's note: This story was updated Thursday afternoon. PROVO — A large algal bloom, which produces potentially life-threatening toxins, has been detected on the eastern shore of Utah Lake, officials at the Utah Department of Environment Quality said Thursday.
While the algal bloom was discovered on the eastern shore, more testing will be done from Provo Bay to Provo Harbor and westward two miles, according to DEQ communications director Donna Spangler.
Officials are urging the public to stay out of Provo Bay and to use caution before entering the water in the surrounding areas such as Provo Marina, where signs were posted.
According to the Center for Disease Control, the bad algae can pollute water with the toxins that it produces, which can potentially be life-threatening for humans as well as other animals.
“We wouldn’t recommend for people or for animals to be in the water when there’s the possibility of an algal bloom happening in the water,” said Utah County Health Department public information officer Aislynn Tolman-Hill.
“It certainly can be harmful to your health.”
The DEQ and Division of Water Quality began testing Utah Lake water Wednesday for the possibility of algal blooms, according to Tolman-Hill.
Tolman-Hill said a member of the DWQ noticed what may have been the bloom in the water, which led to the testing.
Officials noticed the potential of the blooms while analyzing satellite imagery Monday and the band stretched approximately 38.6 square miles, Spangler added.
Tolman-Hill said algal blooms appear blueish-green — similar to antifreeze in water. The state posted signs around the lake as a precaution while the tests are conducted.
Concerns for algal bloom typically come in the late summer and early autumn, according to Tollman-Hill.
“It’s something that can happen in water when the environmental factors really are just right,” she said. “When you get stagnant water, warmer temperatures in the environment — lots of sunlight, lots of high-nutrient levels and phosphorus in the water.”
In 2014, health officials determined a Utah family's dog died from consuming water with algal bloom toxins near Lindon Marina.
Tollman-Hill echoed the warnings that individuals should pay attention to any warnings posted around the lake before entering the water or allowing pets to enter the water.
“It is important for folks to look at signage that’s around that we’re really looking out for everyone’s best interest,” she said. “We don’t want to limit anyone’s fun, but we also want people to stay safe this summer.”
