As late-summer temperatures warm Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urges people to check water conditions and watch for signs of toxic algae before entering the water or allowing pets near it. Toxic algae can make people sick and can be fatal to pets.
Harmful algae blooms grow quickly and occur naturally in warm, slow-moving, or stagnant water. Toxic algae can look like spilled paint or pea soup on the surface of a lake or pond. Algal blooms can range in color from green to blue-green, and even to gold and red. They grow quickly and can produce toxins that can harm humans and be fatal to pets.
“We are fortunate to live in a state with such beautiful lands and waters, and we want everyone to enjoy them safely,” said Nicole Rowan, director of the Water Quality Control Division. “As water temperatures rise later in summer, toxic algae blooms become more likely. Taking a moment to check conditions and look for signs of a bloom can help protect you and your pets.”
People exposed to toxic algae may experience skin irritation and rashes. Toxins may also cause nausea, muscle and joint pain, fever, headache, or sore throat. If you think you may have come in contact with toxic algae, you should:
Shower or rinse with fresh water immediately.
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms.
Pets are more likely to drink affected water. If you suspect a body of water has toxic algae, keep your pets out of it. If you suspect pets have been exposed:
- Get the pet out of the water immediately.
- Keep the pet from licking its fur or paws until they are rinsed.
- Rinse the pet with clean, fresh potable water as soon as possible. Thoroughly remove algae from fur, skin, and paws.
- Watch for symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or stumbling.
- Contact a veterinarian if your pet shows any symptoms or if you suspect they have swallowed toxic algae. For additional support, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Contact the state parks or other public waters you plan to visit and check water conditions before you go. Be sure to follow caution and warning signs if they are posted and look for blooms or scum before entering the water. The only way to know whether algae is toxic is to test it. If in doubt, stay out.
You can help prevent toxic algae year-round. Help keep excess nutrients from reaching lakes and ponds by picking up and properly disposing of pet waste. Also, don’t over-fertilize your lawn and landscaping. Phosphorus and nitrogen in fertilizer can wash into waterways during storms and contribute to toxic algae growth. In the winter, reduce your use of deicers with ingredients like nitrogen and urea.
Visit the toxic algae dashboard on our website to learn about recently reported blooms. Because blooms can change rapidly, the dashboard may not reflect present conditions.
To report suspected toxic algae, contact ToxCall at 303-692-2606 or cdphe_toxcall@state.co.us.
Learn more at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/toxic-algae.
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
