Staying Safe Around Utah’s Waters: Recognizing and Avoiding Harmful Algal Blooms

Salt Lake City, May 2026 - As the recreation season approaches, the Utah Division of Water Quality is working to ensure that Utahns can safely enjoy the state’s beautiful lakes and reservoirs while avoiding harmful algal blooms (HABs) that require a cautious eye.

What are HABs and how do they occur?

Harmful algal blooms occur when cyanobacteria, which are naturally present in water, begin to grow rapidly. This "blooming" typically happens in warm, nutrient-rich water during the summer and fall. These blooms are not true algae but are bacteria that can produce dangerous toxins.

While often associated with hot weather, these blooms can persist through the fall and even into colder temperatures. They often appear as green “pea soup”, spilled paint, or slimy mats at the top or bottom of rivers or standing water.

Risks to Health, Children, and Pets

The toxins produced by cyanobacteria can affect the liver, nerves, and skin. Young children and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of serious illness.

Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to swallow large amounts of water or lick toxins off their fur. For dogs, exposure can be fatal. Common routes of exposure for animals include:

• Swallowing contaminated water or eating dried algae mats along the shore.
• Direct skin contact with the water or mats.
• Licking water or scum off their fur after swimming.

How to Recreate Safely

The Division of Water Quality wants people to enjoy a summer at the lakes. "We want people to enjoy all of the lakes and reservoirs this summer," says Ellen Bailey from the Division of Water Quality. "Understanding the risks and taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing illness. Check the water conditions before boating, swimming or fishing". The Division of Water Quality actively monitors and samples water bodies throughout the recreation season and assign warning advisories when toxins reach unsafe levels. Residents can also empower themselves to confidently recognize these blooms.

To stay safe this summer:

• Scan the water for "pea soup" water, paint-like streaks, or foul, musty odors. If you see this, do not drink the water! Always shower after recreating and wash your hands with clean water before preparing or eating food.
• Clean Your catch if you are fishing with fresh water. Discard all guts and skin.
• When in doubt, stay out! If the water looks suspicious, move to a different spot or choose a different water body.

The division also maintains habs.utah.gov, a central resource where recreators can check a map of current advisories and view a photo gallery to help distinguish between harmful blooms and harmless aquatic plants. By providing these visual tools and real-time data, the Division of Water Quality aims to empower every Utahn to be a steward of their own safety while enjoying the outdoors.