Echo Reservoir Algal Bloom 2017

Report a Bloom

24-Hour DEQ Environment Incidents Line: (801) 536-4123

Call Utah Poison Control Center

If you believe you or your pet have been exposed to a harmful algal bloom, call (800) 222-1222.

Data

• HAB Xyanobacteria Cell Count (October 19, 2017)

Update November 1, 2017

The Summit County Health Department (SCHD) sampled Echo Reservoir on October 31, 2017. Toxin test strips results for the samples were all below the UDEQ-UDOH action level for mycrocystins, cylindrospermopsin, and anatoxin-a. Based on these findings, SCHD lifted the “Warning Advisory” for Echo Reservoir on November 1, 2017, and removed the warning signs.

Update October 26, 2017

Samples collected on October 17, 2017 and October 19, 2017, were sent to the Utah Public Health Lab for ELISA testing to quantify the strip-test results. ELISA test results showed microcystin levels well below the UDOH-UDEQ recommended health-advisory threshold for a warning advisory.

However, cyanobacteria cell counts exceed 14.7 million cells per milliliter (cells/ml), placing the sample site above the health advisory threshold. Multiple cyanobacteria taxa capable of producing toxins were present, including Aphanizomenon and Pseuadanabaena, but the sample was dominated by Dolichospermumat 14,715,737 cells/ml. Dolichospermumand Aphanizomenon are potential toxin producers for microcystin, anatoxin-a, and cylindrospermopsin. Pseuadanabaenais a potential toxin producer for microcystin and anatoxin-a. The bloom is currently limited in extent and located along the shoreline.

UDOH-UDEQ guidance recommends two consecutive sample periods during which all indicators are below guidance thresholds before health officials lift an advisory.

Warning Advisory for Echo Reservoir

A Warning Advisory indicates a moderate relative probability of acute health risk, cell-count density of 20,000 -10 million cells per milliliter (cells/ml), microcystin levels of 4-2,000 micrograms per liter (µg/L), or anatoxin-a levels above non-detect. Advisory actions:

• Do not swim or water ski
• Do not drink the water
• Keep pets and livestock away
• Clean fish well and discard guts
• Avoid areas of scum when boating

Toxins

ELISA testing by the Utah Public Health Lab showed low microcystin levels at the sample location during the sampling period. These toxin levels, however, can increase or decrease based on changing conditions.

October 17, 2017

• Echo Reservoir at Boat Launch: 0.05 micrograms per liter (µg/L) of microcystin

October 19, 2017

• Echo Boat Ramp: 0.21 µg/L of microcystin

Update October 18, 2017

During an E. coli monitoring expedition at recreational areas on October 17, 2017, Division of Water Quality (DWQ) field staff observed what appeared to be a cyanobacteria bloom at the Echo Reservoir boat launch area. Toxin strip-test results from a sample collected at the boat launch showed anatoxin-a levels of 0.4 micrograms per liter (µg/L). Strip tests were non-detect for microcystin and cylindrospermopsin. While the toxin strip-test results were at the low end of the warning-advisory threshold for anatoxin-a, any results above non-detect trigger a warning advisory under UDOH and UDEQ health-based guidance.

DWQ is working with the Summit County Health Department to resample various locations of the reservoir on Thursday, October 19, 2017.

Warning Advisory for Echo Reservoir

A Warning Advisory indicates a moderate relative probability of acute health risk, cell-count density of 20,000 -10 million cells per milliliter (cells/ml), microcystin levels of 4-2,000 micrograms per liter (µg/L), or anatoxin-a levels above non-detect. Advisory actions:

• Do not swim or water ski
• Do not drink the water
• Keep pets and livestock away
• Clean fish well and discard guts
• Avoid areas of scum when boating