The Utah Lake Authority received notice on Monday, July 28 from the Utah Division of Water Quality that they had made visual inspections of the lake and, along with satellite imagery, they believed there was a lakewide bloom of harmful algae. At the time, data confirms there is a lakewide harmful algal bloom.
It is advised that residents avoid contact with the water, including swimming, skiing, wading or drinking. Do not let your pets swim in the water. Paddlers and kayakers in smaller crafts are urged to use caution.
Motorized boating and sailing is still safe. We encourage Utah Lake users to follow the recreation recommendations on HABS.utah.gov and consider alternative methods of recreating during this time, including nature walks, bird watching and fishing. And while HABs can cause harm if ingested or it comes in contact with skin, HABs are not deadly.
The Utah Lake Authority would like to remind the public that lakewide HABs are an annual occurrence around this time of the year.
“HABs are an unfortunate, but natural part of lake life that require some temporary adjustments for avid recreators,” said Luke Peterson, executive director of the Utah Lake Authority. “It’s like the need for precaution in Utah’s ski country during avalanche season, or in red rock country during flash flood season..”
The overall quality of the lakewater is still very high and is the best it’s been in decades. But HABs continue to be a reality of Utah Lake as they are with all bodies of water in Utah. Each year the pattern, timing and intensity of HABs vary, but fortunately we have seen an overall 50% reduction at Utah Lake since 2019.
We are dedicated to reducing the HABs in Utah Lake. We work with various partners to implement proven methods of reduction, as well as exploring new options. These include HAB removal barges, planting native plants and removing the invasive carp.
For more information on HABs and the lakewide HABs warning, please visit habs.utah.gov. You can also reach out to us if you have more questions at info@utahlake.gov or 801-753-8270.