Payson Lakes Algal Bloom Monitoring 2020

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.

Update November 2, 2020

The Warning Advisory for Big East Lake has been removed as a result of the end of the sampling and monitoring recreation season.

The Utah Division of Water Quality’s water recreation season runs from May 1 through October 31. At this time, no further monitoring or sampling for harmful algal blooms or waterborne pathogens at priority water bodies will be conducted until May 2021.

This does not mean that the potential for harmful algal blooms or waterborne pathogens has ceased. Please remain aware while recreating in or near water bodies and for information on how to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe, please visit:

• Protect Yourself During Harmful Algal Blooms
• Protect Yourself: Waterborne Pathogens

Update September 17, 2020

Utah County Health Department has issued a Warning Advisory for Big East Lake.

On September 8, 2020, the DWQ HABs monitoring team visited Payson Lakes. The monitoring team observed a harmful algal bloom at Big East Lake. Cyanotoxin and toxigenic cyanobacteria cell count densities samples were taken.

Results delivered from Phycotech on September 16, 2020, show the presence of high toxigenic cell count densities. Cyanotoxin delivered from UDAF Lab shows concentrations of microcystin below detection.