Harmful algal bloom present at Deer Creek Reservoir’s Charleston Day Use Area

Deer Creek Reservoir has a maximum depth of about 138 feet. Photo: Deer Creek State Park

WALLSBURG, Utah — A warning advisory has been issued for the Charleston Day Use Area at deer creek reservoir.

According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Water Quality Division, algae in the water in this area may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.

If you visit the Charleston Day Use Area, the DEQ has recommended that you:

• Do not swim or water ski
• Avoid areas of algae when boating
• Clean fish well and discard guts
• Keep animals away
• Don’t drink the water

Other areas of Deer Creek Reservoir are currently safe for swimming, boating and fishing, but the DEQ has advised that recreators still use caution.

Recognizing harmful algal blooms

Harmful algal blooms are typically shades of green or blue, but have also been known to be red, pink, white, gray or purple. The texture of these blooms can resemble spilled paint, green globules, surface scum, foam, floating mats or grass clippings.

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Harmful algal blooms can rise and fall throughout the water during the day, so they may not always be visible on the surface of the water. They can move or disperse rapidly depending on temperature, wind and weather conditions.

Find more information on harmful algal blooms or view current water quality in Utah’s recreational water bodies here.