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Utah officials warn people to avoid the water in Utah Lake

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued a warning for all of Utah Lake because of a toxic algal blooms.

  | Sep. 10, 2019, 2:15 p.m.
| Updated: Sep. 12, 2019, 1:06 a.m.

Utah authorities are warning people and animals to stay out of the water in Utah Lake for at least the rest of September because of toxic algal blooms.

Visitors to the lake are advised to:

  • Stay out of the water — no swimming or water skiing

  • Avoid areas of algae scum when boating

  • Keep animals away

  • Not drink the water

  • Clean fish well and discard guts

The Utah Division of Environmental Quality issued the warning after samples from three tests in different parts of the lake showed cyanobacterial cell counts that exceeded safety levels. According to th DEQ, the algal blooms occur when naturally-occurring cyanobacteria multiply quickly; the blooms can produce toxins that are dangerous to humans and animals.

The DEQ said the warning “will remain in place throughout the month of September,” and it will then “reevaluate the situation.”