Levels of harmful blue-green algae still high at Utah Lake

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Rick Bowmer
FILE – This July 20, 2016, file photo, a A danger lake closed sign is shown at Utah Lake, near American Fork, Utah. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey will study how nutrient levels contribute to algae bloom outbreaks on the heels of this summer’s massive algae bloom that closed Utah Lake, sickened people and left farmers scrambling for clean water during some of the hottest days of the year. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Public health officials say potentially toxic algae levels are still relatively high on Utah Lake.

The Daily Herald in Provo reports the Utah Department of Environmental Quality says that three locations showed moderate to high levels of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae.

Utah Lake’s Lincoln Beach remains closed. Warning signs have been posted at two other locations telling people not to swim.

At American Fork Marina, authorities are now telling people they can swim but to stay away from any area with scum.

The updates come after the lake was closed for nearly two weeks in July due to massive algal bloom that nearly covered the lake and sickened more than 100 people.

 

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