This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Access to the Jordan River and lower Little Cottonwood Creek has been limited because aerial and ground surveys show elevated levels of a harmful algae in them, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality said Sunday.

In addition, Utah Lake, which also contains a toxic algal bloom, remains closed, DEQ spokeswoman Donna Spangler said in a news release. The bloom covers 90 percent of the lake.

There will be no estimate for at least a week on when the water in the lake, river and related canals can be used for any purpose, Spangler said. Algal blooms can last for days or weeks and toxins can last for days after the bloom, she said.

The warning does not affect drinking water, which comes from a separate source.

The Salt Lake County Health Department is posting signs that the Jordan River and all canals in the county are potentially unsafe for people and animals, the news release says.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is advising farmers not to use water from Utah Lake for food production, especially fruits and vegetables, or livestock watering until lab results are available.

Pet owners also are cautioned to keep their animals away from the lake, river and canals, and anglers are advised not to fish and not to eat any fish caught after July 10.

Harmful cyanobacteria, which produce toxins that can cause liver damage and neurological damage, was discovered in sampling taken July 13 in Utah Lake, the release says. It says exposure to the algae can cause vomiting, headaches and skin rashes.

Anyone experiencing symptoms that could stem from exposure to a harmful algal bloom should contact a physician or the Utah Poison control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC