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SPANISH FORK, Utah (AP) — The Latest on a huge algae bloom that's closed Utah Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River (all times local):
6:20 p.m.
Utah officials are lifting an agricultural water use advisory that was issued in response to a huge algae bloom on Utah Lake.
The decision was made Friday by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food after new test results showed decreasing toxin levels.
The warning had left dozens of farmers scrambling for clean water during some of the hottest days of the year.
State environmental officials say new test results show low levels of nerve and liver toxins in most samples from the lake.
Poison Control officials say more than 100 people have reported being sickened with symptoms like vomiting and headaches after coming into contact with the blue-green algae.
Utah Lake remains closed as authorities wait for the bloom to run its course and clear up.
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2:06 p.m.
A huge toxic algal bloom in Utah has closed one of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River, sickening more than 100 people and leaving farmers scrambling for clean water during some of the hottest days of the year.
The bacteria commonly known as blue-green algae has spread rapidly to cover almost all of 150-square-mile Utah Lake, turning the water a bright, anti-freeze green and leaving scummy foam along the shore.
Utah Poison Control has fielded hundreds of cases related to the bloom, including some 130 involving people who have reported vomiting, diarrhea, headache and rashes.
It's also a major blow for growers and businesses that rely on the lake.
For now, authorities are waiting for the bloom to run its course and clear up, hopefully aided by a drop in temperatures or a storm that could stir up the water and reduce water stagnation.
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