Department of Environmental Quality

Category: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

  • Green Mats: Harmful Algal Bloom Examples

    See examples of harmful algal blooms that look like green mats.

  • Green Scum: Harmful Algal Bloom Examples

    See examples of harmful algal blooms that look like green scum.

  • Spilled Paint: Harmful Algal Bloom Examples

    See examples of harmful algal blooms that look like spilled paint.

  • Pea Soup: Harmful Algal Bloom Examples

    See examples of harmful algal blooms that look like pea soup.

  • Hunting and Fishing During Harmful Algal Blooms

    Do harmful algal blooms (HABs) have an effect on fishing or hunting? Learn precautions to take before eating fish and how to protect your hunting dog or other pets. Can I Eat Fish from Waters Experiencing a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)? Toxins can accumulate in fish in waters experiencing a HAB. The highest concentrations are…

  • Signage & Social Media Resources: Harmful Algal Blooms and Waterborne Pathogens

    Use the below links to access the official State of Utah signage for posting information on a harmful algal bloom (HAB) or waterborne pathogen (E. coli) health risk at a lake, river, reservoir, or pond. Signs are available in multiple sizes for print. Premade social media posts, including captions and images, are also found here.…

  • Photo Examples of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

    These photo examples of harmful algal blooms (HABs) will help you know what to look for when recreating in Utah waters. Read more information about HABs or water advisories. HABs generally occur in standing water such as reservoirs, lakes, or ponds. The appearance of HABs varies widely: blooms usually appear in various shades of green…

  • Drinking Water FAQs: Harmful Algal Blooms

    Toxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs), called cyanotoxins, can enter drinking water supplies from surface water sources or ground water sources impacted by surface water. An increase in the incidence of HABs around the country has prompted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue guidelines and recommendations for cyanotoxin values in drinking water and recommendations…

  • Contact Information: Harmful Algal Blooms

    Report a Harmful Algal Bloom To Report a Harmful Algal Bloom, please call the 24-hour DEQ Spill Line: (801) 536-4123 Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) Contact UPCC at (800) 222-1222 immediately if you suspect you or a member of your family has been exposed to a harmful algal bloom. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, diarrhea,…

  • Learn About & Check Utah Recreational Water Quality

    Related Links We monitor for two health concerns in popular Utah lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can produce dangerous toxins that pose serious health risks to humans, pets, and livestock. These blooms develop when naturally occurring cyanobacteria in the water multiply very quickly to form green or blue-green water, scum, or mats.…

  • Division of Drinking Water Harmful Algal Bloom & Cyanotoxin Response Plan

    The Division of Drinking Water offers a variety of information and assistance to public water systems that are susceptible to HABs. Find information and resources to help prevent and manage a bloom on this page.

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