Echo Reservoir Algal Bloom Monitoring 2019

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

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

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Update October 18, 2019

The Summit County Health Department lifted the Warning Advisory for Echo Reservoir on October 18, 2019, after consecutive sampling showed toxin levels and cyanobacteria cell-count concentrations had fallen below the advisory threshold.

Update October 11, 2019

Echo Reservoir, October 2, 2019

Echo Reservoir, October 2, 2019

Cyanobacteria cell-count concentrations and toxin test results for samples collected by the Division of Water Quality in the open water at Echo Reservoir on October 7, 2019, were all well below the recreation health-based threshold for a Warning Advisory.

The DWQ monitoring crew observed cyanobacteria that resembled light and dark green grass clipping in the water column. Cyanobacteria were also concentrated on the bottom of the lakebed.

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.

The Warning Advisory for Echo Reservoir remains in place.

Data Summary

Open Water

  • Sample date: October 7, 2019
  • Sample Type: Elbow-depth integrated composite sample
  • Microcystin: <0.10 micrograms per liter (µg/)
  • Anatoxin-a: <0.10 µg/L
  • Cell counts: 1,380 cells per milliliter (cells/mL)
Echo Reservoir, October 2, 2019

Echo Reservoir, October 2, 2019

Update September 13, 2019

The Summit County Health Department (SCHD) posted Warning Advisory signs at the Boat Ramp at Echo Reservoir on September 13, 2019, to alert the public that the area is experiencing a harmful algal bloom.

Echo Reservoir remains open for recreation at this time. Recreationists are advised to not swim or waterski in areas of scum, avoid boating in areas of scum, keep animals away, and not ingest water. Visitors can still recreate in the reservoir but are cautioned to be mindful of water conditions, as blooms may move or disperse depending on temperature, wind, and weather.

Toxin test results for samples collected by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) at the Boat Ramp at Echo Reservoir on September 9, 2019, showed anatoxin-a levels that exceeded the recreation health-based thresholds for a Warning Advisory. Microcystin levels were well below the health advisory threshold, as were cyanobacteria cell-count concentrations.

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.

Data Summary

Boat Ramp

  • Sample date: September 9, 2019
  • Sample Type: Elbow-depth integrated composite sample
  • Microcystin: <2.0 micrograms per liter (µg/)
  • Anatoxin-a: 0.11 µg/L
  • Cell counts: 1,328 cells per milliliter (cells/mL)