Utah’s Harmful Algae May Be Forming From Recent Floods

Utah is always on the lookout for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in lakes and the Virgin River.  

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality keeps watch on reports of toxic algae reports throughout the state. Places like Southern Utah and Zion National Park are especially susceptible to growing it due to the climate.  

The National Ocean Service said that HABs can grow in warmer water, and when too many nutrients from lawncare and farms get into the water. Another cause can be from natural disasters like flooding which Southern Utah has seen just last week.  

As Fall weather makes its way across Utah, flooding and rain are also a concern because it will lead to HABs along the Virgin River. The Narrows in ZNP are a place where HABs tend to be found yearly.  

From past years, they can be found as late in the year as November.  

The UDEQ uses testing and reports to give warning to the public so if you see any signs of HABs, report it immediately.  

Unfortunately, one way that Utahns find HABs is through sick pets like dogs who play or drink from contaminated water. Each year there is at least one death of a pet who consumes HABs. By that time, it is too late. 

HABs can be harmful to pets, children, and the wildlife in the lakes in rivers. 

As temperatures cool down across the state and more people venture out to enjoy the lakes and rivers, be cautious with pets and small children.