Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO — Utah Lake was made available for swimming and water sports Tuesday after tests indicated subsiding levels of harmful algae in the water, health officials announced.
Still, lake visitors are asked to avoid any areas where high concentrations of the blue-green algae are clearly visible, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality said.
Utah Lake, the Jordan River and canals attached to that water system should remain off limits for pets and livestock, according to the agency.
Utah Lake was closed July 15 after tests revealed algal levels three times higher than what is considered safe by the World Health Organization. Scientists believe the algal bloom was likely the result of the lake's unusually low level and calm water conditions, combined with high temperatures and significant amounts of sunlight exposure.
Walt Baker, director of the Utah Division of Water Quality, hypothesized last month that it's possible that an abundance of nutrients used by algae contributed to the bloom, including a high amount of phosphorous included in discharge from wastewater sewage treatment plants in the area.
Utah Lake was reopened to boating on July 28 after tests showed algae levels there were diminishing. Health authorities say they have opted on the side of caution while gradually opening the lake to more activities. Warning signs are still posted in sections of the lake where algae levels remain a concern.
“Algae and scum may still be in the lake,” Ralph Clegg, executive director of the Utah County Health Department, said in a statement. “The lake will continue to be monitored and sampled on a regular basis. If sample results show a threat to health, then we will again take the appropriate actions.”
It's also possible another algal bloom could affect Utah Lake if the same conditions there return, according to Ben Holcomb, coordinator of the Harmful Algal Bloom Program for the state Division of Water Quality.
Holcomb said any sighting of unusually colored water may be a sign of the blue-green algae and should be reported. Poisoning from the algae can lead to serious medical symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headaches, fever and irritation to skin.
Anyone who believes they may have spotted harmful algae is asked to call the state spill tip line at 801-536-4123. Those who believe they may have been exposed to harmful concentrations of algae can call the Utah Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. Any affected animals should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
