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PROVO — After the latest round of tested water showed a decline of blue-green algae in Utah Lake, health officials have decided to reopen the lake for boating, but many recommendations remain in place regarding recreation in the water.
Utah Department of Environmental Quality spokeswoman Donna Spangler said Thursday afternoon that the closure of the lake has been downgraded to a warning instead.
Despite the closure being lifted, Spangler said swimming, jet skiing and “other water sports having contact with the lake water” is not recommended. Individuals should remain using caution and pay attention to warnings posted by the water, she said.
"Swimmers, for instance, may get a skin irritation if they have contact with the water," Spangler said. "I think that the warning is simply to put people on notice that there's still a problem that exists."
Poisoning from the algae can result in fever, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and "allergic-like" reactions on the skin, Spangler said.
Spangler added the recent tests of the water show the algal bloom, which produces dangerous toxins, is dissipating in “most locations” within Utah Lake, the Jordan River and other water outlets associated with the two.
However, the water isn't completely cleared by the DEQ.
"There's still some high counts in the Saratoga Springs area and somewhere in the open waters that even though they're below the threshold considered unhealthy, it's still prudent to be very cautious."
The DEQ closed the lake on July 15 due to the amount of algal bloom, which at the time spread to about 90 percent of the lake. The presence of cyanobacteria, the main toxin the algal blooms (also referred to as blue-green algae) are known for producing, was later found in the Jordan River and some canals.
That led to an advisory about water use for food production and watering with that water. However, the advisory was lifted on July 22.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Even with the warnings still in place at Utah Lake, Ben Holcomb of the Division of Water Quality said in a statement that it's a step in the right direction.
“This is encouraging news, yet under the right conditions algae blooms can reappear so we remain cautious,” he said.
Ralph Clegg, executive director of the Utah County Health Department, said "ongoing monitoring is vital since this is still early in the season for algal blooms."
Anyone with questions about possible exposure to the harmful algae is asked to call Utah Poison Control at 800-222-1222. Any animals who may have been exposed should be assessed by a veterinarian.
