Division of Water Quality
Deer Creek Reservoir Recreational Monitoring
Deer Creek Reservoir is approximately 4 miles south of of Heber, along US-189. DEQ’s recreational water quality monitoring checks for two health concerns: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Waterborne Pathogens (E. coli). Find the most recent monitoring information below.
Warning Advisory
Harmful Algae Present
- Do not swim or water ski
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Keep animals away
- Do not drink the water
- Clean fish well and discard guts
Updates
September 24, 2026: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: A harmful algal bloom is present at Deer Creek Reservoir. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.
If you visit the area:
- Do not swim or water ski
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Clean fish well and discard skin and guts
- Keep animals away
- Don't drink the water
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
September 14, 2026: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: A harmful algal bloom is present at Deer Creek Reservoir. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.
If you visit the area:
- Do not swim or water ski
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Clean fish well and discard skin and guts
- Keep animals away
- Don't drink the water
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
September 10, 2026: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Our monitoring team saw visible signs of a harmful algal bloom in multiple areas of Deer Creek Reservoir. There could be algae in the water producing dangerous toxins. Samples have been collected for analysis, and a reservoir-wide Health Watch advisory is in effect while laboratory results are pending. Check back here for updates.
In the meantime we recommend:
- Do not swim or water ski in areas of algae
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Clean fish well and discard skin and guts
- Keep animals away
- Don't drink the water
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
August 25, 2026: Waterborne pathogen (E. coli) and HAB monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: E. coli counts were measured below recreational thresholds and our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom.
Site(s) sampled: Island Park Marina, Rainbow Bay, South Basin Boat Ramp
August 10, 2026: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom. Learn more about harmful algal blooms.
Site(s) visited: Island Park Marina, Rainbow Bay, Sailboat Beach
August 5, 2026: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom. Learn more about harmful algal blooms.
Site(s) visited: Island Park Marina, Rainbow Bay, East Wallsburg Bay
July 30, 2026: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Our monitoring team saw visible signs of a harmful algal bloom at Island Park Marina and Rainbow Bay and we are issuing a Health Watch for these areas. There could be algae in the water producing dangerous toxins. We collected samples and results are pending. Check back here for updates.
In the meantime we recommend:
- Do not swim or water ski in areas of algae
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Clean fish well and discard skin and guts
- Keep animals away
- Don't drink the water
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
BE CAREFUL: There is still a Warning Advisory in place in East Wallsburg Bay. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.
If you visit the this area:
- Do not swim or water ski
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Clean fish well and discard skin and guts
- Keep animals away
- Don't drink the water
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
Sites visited: East Wallsburg Bay, Island Park Marina, Rainbow Bay
July 15 , 2026: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: A harmful algal bloom is present in East Wallsburg Bay at Deer Creek Reservoir. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.
If you visit the area:
- Do not swim or water ski
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Clean fish well and discard skin and guts
- Keep animals away
- Don't drink the water
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
Other areas of Deer Creek Reservoir: Looks good
Sites visited: Charleston Day Use Area, Island Park Marina, Rainbow Bay, Sailboat Beach, South Basin Boat Ramp, and East Wallsburg Bay
June 10, 2026: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
GOOD NEWS: Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom. Learn more about harmful algal blooms.
Site(s) visited: Charleston Day Use Area