Harmful algae bloom at Whitney Reservoir

Algae blooms can produce potent cyanotoxins that pose serious health risks to humans, pets, and livestock. Photo: Utah Department of Environmental Quality

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — The Summit County Health Department has placed a Warning Advisory on Whitney Reservoir because of a harmful algae bloom.

“Toxigenic cyanobacteria cell density results for samples taken from the reservoir on 8/17/2021 were delivered on 8/18/2021,” the Utah Department of Environmental Quality report said. “They show cell counts at 404,951 cells/mL. Cell densities are above the UDWQ/UDOH recommended Warning Advisory threshold of 100,000 cells/mL.”

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) develop when naturally occurring cyanobacteria in the water multiply very quickly to form green or blue-green water, scum, or mats, according to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. These blooms can produce potent cyanotoxins that pose serious health risks to humans, pets, and livestock.

How To Stay Safe

1. Don’t swallow water when swimming.
2. Wash hands with clean water before eating or preparing food.
3. Clean fish well and discard the guts.
4. Keep animals away.
5. Recognize the signs of a bloom, and when in doubt, stay out.