FILE: The Utah Lake Restoration Project wants to restore and renovate Utah Lake. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A toxic algal bloom on Utah Lake has made its first appearance of 2019.
The Daily Herald in Provo reported Wednesday that routine state monitoring showed toxin levels from the algae bloom exceeded health thresholds near the Saratoga Springs Picnic Area.
The Utah County Health Department has issued a warning advisory for the area and signs have been posted. The warning encourages people not to drink the water, go swimming or water skiing, or allow pets or livestock near the water.
The rest of the lake is considered safe.
Algal blooms have plagued the lake over the past several years, closing parts of it at various times. They’re fed by low water levels, hot temperatures, calm conditions and nutrients in the water.