A harmful algae bloom has spread at Scofield Reservoir, forcing its closure to recreational use because of test results that show the presence of toxins posing a serious health risk.
The closure was directed by the Southeast Utah Health Department after lab results analyzed Wednesday by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality showed elevated cell counts of cyanobacteria that produce toxins that can harm people and animals.
The campgrounds at Scofield State Park remain open, but anglers and boaters are not to be on the water.
“Our primary concern is always public safety, and we support the health department’s decision to temporarily close the reservoir,” said Scofield State Park Manager Jonathan Hunt.
“While this closure may be inconvenient to boaters and anglers planning to come here for the holiday weekend, we would encourage them to visit other state parks in the region like Huntington and Millsite state parks,” Hunt said.
Eugene Swalberg, spokesman with the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, said park officials are hopeful cooler conditions will help dissipate the bloom.
“It is unfortunate, but obviously we will work through it,” he said. “It is still going to be a great fishery and a great place to recreate. This is a bump in the road.”
David Cunningham, health officer with the Southeast Utah Health Department, warned campers and cabin owners to keep pets away from the water.
“The algal bloom is most dangerous to animals, and we want to keep you and your pets safe,” he said. “With the cooler temperatures and weather changes coming, the algae and toxin levels are anticipated to recede.”
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reported a significant fish kill associated with the blue-green algae Aug. 27 and impacted water fowl. The agency estimates the fish kill to be in the thousands and a trio of bats were also found dead near the shoreline.
So far, no drinking water has been impacted.
The Price River Water Improvement District is monitoring the culinary water supplies and has installed additional equipment to treat supplies with ozone that is specifically designed to reduce and remove algae and nutrients that cause its formation.
Sampling is continuing in multiple areas to ensure the safety of the drinking water supplies.
On Tuesday, the Utah County Health Department elevated its advisory for the American Fork Marina at Utah Lake based on recent test results. Under the warning out for that area, the health department is advising people not to swim and to avoid areas of scum.
Cyanobacteria cell counts continue to be in the moderate to high range at the Saratoga Springs Marina and at Lincoln Beach Marina.
Utah Lake was hit with an unprecedented algal bloom in mid-July, prompting its closure for two weeks. Hot temperatures, low water levels and a lot of sun are merging to create ripe conditions for outbreaks of the blooms, which can be accompanied by toxins with serious health risks to people and animals.
The blooms also spread to a portion of the Jordan River and have impacted Payson Lakes.
Secondary water supplies in some cities of southern Salt Lake County were temporarily halted out of fear of a contamination hazard to people and produce, but subsequent testing lifted that threat.