The Utah Division of Water Quality (DWQ) monitors popular recreational waters for two main health concerns: harmful algal blooms (HABs) and waterborne pathogens (E.coli).
Blooms develop when naturally occuring cyanobacteria multiple rapidly to form scums or mats in a waterbody. These HABs can produce dangerous toxins that create health risks to humans, pets, and livestock. Waterborne pathogens are introduced to waterbodies through fecal contamination. E.coli can make humans sick when ingested through water.
Health Watch
Evidence that either waterborne pathogens are present or a harmful algal bloom is developing.
During a health advisory:
- Do not swim or water ski
- Do not drink the water or get it in your mouth
If the advisory is due to a HAB:
- Avoid areas of algae scum when boating
- Keep animals away
- Clean fish well and discard guts
Warning Advisory
An established threshold has been exceeded. This is a strong indication that either waterborne pathogens or a harmful algal bloom is present.
During a warning advisory:
- Do not swim or water ski
- Do not drink the water or get it in your mouth
If the warning advisory is due to a HAB:
- Avoid areas of algae scum when boating
- Keep animals away
- Clean fish well and discard guts
Danger Advisory
An established threshold has been exceeded by the water body for harmful algal blooms. This means the bloom has become very large and/or high levels of dangerous toxins have been measured.
During a danger advisory:
- Do not swim or water ski
- Do not drink the water or get it in your mouth
- Do not boat
- Keep animals away
- Use caution when fishing. The effects of these toxins on aquatic life is not well understood.
- If you choose to fish, clean fish well and discard guts
Note: The map below comes from the DWQ website. It provides current data on harmful algal blooms AND/OR waterborne pathogens. The DWQ does not monitor all the sites on the map for both.