News Release

Algae Bloom at Lake Powell

Aerial view of a desert lake in a sandstone canyon. The water at the lower half of the image is cloudy.
Lake Powell with Algae Bloom.

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News Release Date: October 10, 2024

Algal blooms have been reported scattered around Glen Canyon National Recreation Area this fall. Certain species of algae and phytoplankton can produce toxins that may cause illness in humans, pets and wildlife.

Algal blooms can occur for a variety of reasons. Warm, still water is the perfect breeding ground for cyanobacteria and the addition of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that enter the lake from outside sources, encourage the growth of algae and bacteria.

Some may be harmless, but please follow the following guidelines on how to stay safe during Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

  • Don’t swim in water that has an algal bloom.

  • Don’t boat, water ski, or jet-ski on scummy water. These activities can cause toxins to become airborne, increasing the likelihood you will inhale them.

  • Keep children away from scum in the water or along the shore.

  • Keep pets or livestock from swimming or drinking from scummy waters.

  • Always take a shower after coming into contact with any surface water whether or not an algal bloom appears to be present. Rinse/wash animals immediately if they swim in scummy water and don’t let them lick their fur.

 



Last updated: November 7, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1507
Page, AZ 86040

Phone:

928 608-6200
Receptionist available at Glen Canyon Headquarters from 7 am to 4 pm MST, Monday through Friday. The phone is not monitored when the building is closed. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or hail National Park Service on Marine Band 16.

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