Updates
December 4, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
Recreational monitoring has ended for the season. Monitoring will resume in summer 2024. Waterborne pathogen or harmful algal bloom concerns may still arise at this waterbody. Know what to look for and check before recreating.
October 10, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Harmful algal blooms may be present at any of the Payson Lakes. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.
Utah County Health Department has issued a WARNING ADVISORY for Big East Lake, Box Lake, and McClellan Lake.
If you visit any of the Payson Lakes:
- 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
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
September 15, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Harmful algal blooms may be present at any of the Payson Lakes. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.
Utah County Health Department has issued a WARNING ADVISORY for Big East Lake, Box Lake, and McClellan Lake.
If you visit any of the Payson Lakes:
- 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
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
September 12, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Harmful algal blooms may be present at any of the Payson Lakes. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.
Utah County Health Department has issued a WARNING ADVISORY for Big East Lake and McClellan Lake.
If you visit:
- 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
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
August 21, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Harmful algal blooms are present at Big East Lake and McClellan Lake. Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins that can make humans and animals sick.
Utah County Health Department has issued a WARNING ADVISORY.
If you visit the Payson Lakes:
- 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
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
August 16, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Developing harmful algal blooms are present at all three Payson Lakes (Box Lake, Big East Lake, and McClellan Lake). Algae in the water may be producing dangerous toxins.
If you visit Payson Lakes, we recommend:
- Do not swim or water ski in areas of algae
- Avoid areas of algae when boating
- Clean fish well and discard guts
- Keep animals away
- Don’t drink the water
- Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom
August 3, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
OK, but be careful: Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom or harmful benthic mats. However, low levels of harmful algae were present in all three Payson Lakes. Know how to recognize a harmful algal bloom and check before recreating.
July 7, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom on July 6. However, harmful benthic mats were still present near the shoreline of McClellan Lake. These mats can be dangerous to humans and animals. Dogs and children should be kept away from this growth.
Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom at Big East Lake or Box Lake. Learn more about harmful algal blooms.
June 30, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom on 6/23. However, sampling confirmed that harmful benthic mats were present near the shoreline of McClellan Lake. These mats can be dangerous to humans and animals. Dogs and children should be kept away from this growth.
Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom at Big East Lake or Box Lake. Learn more about harmful algal blooms.
June 23, 2023: Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring update
BE CAREFUL: Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom. However, some harmful benthic mats were spotted near the shoreline of McClellan Lake. These mats can be dangerous to humans and animals. Dogs and children should be kept away from this growth.
Our monitoring team did not see any visible signs of a harmful algal bloom at Big East Lake or Box Lake. Learn more about harmful algal blooms.
Check back here for updates once sample results are in.
Site visited: Big East Lake: NW Picnic Area, SW Beach; Box Lake: near center; McClellan Lake
June 21, 2023: 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 visited: Big East Lake: NW Picnic Area, SW Beach; Box Lake: near center; McClellan Lake