SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — This summer has seen a rise in harmful algal blooms at local Utah reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. The Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality is warning the public about their presence and the possible health hazards.

What is a harmful algal bloom?

“Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae or harmful algae, aren’t actually algae. Rather, they are aquatic bacteria that photosynthesize like a plant,” DEQ states.

Cyanobacteria reportedly naturally live in every water body in the world. A harmful algal bloom happens when these bacteria multiply quickly to form a “bloom,” or visible colonies of millions of cells, according to DEQ.

  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality
  • Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Environmental Quality

“Sometimes the cyanobacteria that form these blooms can produce toxins which cause illness and can damage the human kidney, liver, or neurologic system. Pets and livestock are more likely to drink water and be hurt by these toxins,” DEQ states.

In some areas, DEQ has issued a “Warning Advisory” which means people and pets should not swim in the water and use caution when fishing or eating fish from the area. Watercraft, such as boats and canoes, are still allowed in the area, however, Utah officials say to avoid sections with visible algae blooms.

A “Health Watch” is less severe and advises caution when swimming or fishing. Many Health Watches can turn into Warning Advisories at a later time.

Here is a list of Utah water bodies that are currently affected by dangerous waterborne pathogens:

Box Elder County

  • Mantua Reservoir — Warning Advisory. A harmful algal bloom is present.
  • The Pond at Willard Bay — Warning Advisory. The Pond is closed due to harmful algae.

Carbon County

  • Scofield Reservoir — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae is present.

Davis County

  • Andy Adams Reservoir — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae is present.

Garfield County

  • Panguitch Lake — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae is present.
  • Calf Creek — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae mats are present.

Iron County

  • Newcastle Reservoir — Health Watch. Harmful algae may be present.

Juab County

  • Yuba Lake — Warning Advisory. A harmful algal bloom is present.

Morgan County

  • East Canyon Reservoir — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae bloom is present.

Piute County

  • Otter Creek Reservoir — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae is present.
  • Piute Reservoir — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae is present.

San Juan County

  • Kens Lake — Health Watch. Harmful algae may be present.

Uintah County

  • Matt Warner Reservoir — Warning Advisory. A harmful algal bloom is present.
  • Crouse Reservoir — Warning Advisory. A harmful algal bloom is present.
  • Steinaker Reservoir — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae is present.

Utah County

  • Highland Glen Reservoir — Warning Advisory. Harmful bacteria and viruses may be present.
  • Manila Creek Pond — Warning Advisory. Waterborne pathogens may be present.
  • Upper Jordan River — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae is present.
  • Utah Lake — Warning Advisory for all of Utah Lake. Harmful algal blooms are present.
  • Payson Lakes — Warning Advisory. The Warning Advisory is in place for two of the Payson Lakes (Big East & McClellan). Harmful algae is present.

Wasatch County

  • Deer Creek Reservoir — Warning Advisory for Charleston Day Use Area. Everywhere else under a Health Watch.
  • Jordanelle Reservoir — Health Watch. The watch is in effect for the Rock Cliff area, the rest of Jordanelle is okay. Officials say to be cautious at the reservoir.
  • Strawberry Reservoir — Warning Advisory. The Warning Advisory is for the Jake’s Bay (Chicken Creek East) and Renegade Point areas. A Health Watch is in effect for the rest of the reservoir.

Washington County

  • La Verkin Creek (Zion National Park) — Health Watch.
  • Left Fork (including ‘the Subway’), Right Fork of North Creek (Zion National Park) — Warning Advisory.
  • Lower Virgin River — Health Watch. Harmful algae mats may be present.
  • North Fork of Virgin River (including ‘the Narrows,’ Zion National Park) — Health Watch.
  • Baker Reservoir — Warning Advisory. Harmful algae may be present.

Visit the DEQ website here to see an interactive map of all affected areas.