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Beach on Utah Lake closes due to harmful algae, health concerns

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Lincoln Beach, seen Friday, July 26, 2019, at the southern end of Utah Lake has been closed because of a toxic algal bloom.

Spanish Fork • Officials have temporarily closed a beach in northern Utah due to dangerous levels of toxic algal blooms in the water.

The Utah County Health Department announced a danger advisory for Lincoln Beach on the west side of Utah Lake on Thursday.

Authorities said crews observed clumps of bright green cyanobacteria with a cottage cheese consistency and dead fish in the water earlier this week. Tests showed the algal blooms had high toxin levels.

Harmful algal blooms can cause rashes, respiratory problems, stomach aches and other issues. They can also poison animals.

Officials are warning residents not to swim or go boating in the lake and keep pets away from the water.