A warning advisory is in effect for one Wasatch County water body containing a dangerous population of algae: East Wallsburg Bay at the Deer Creek Reservoir. It’s the only water body in Wasatch County and Summit County to have a warning advisory as of Friday.  But water quality experts will c ontinue to monitor and test water bodies throughout the summer, when harmful algal blooms are most likely to appear. They thrive in the heat and sunlight, making areas like Deer Creek Reservoir ideal for algae development.  A warning advisory usually means a strong indication that harmful algal blooms are present. Visitors are warned to avoid drinking the water, swimming or water skiing and paddling. Boating still has a green light from the Wasatch County Health Department and anglers are advised to proceed with caution. Lewis Hastings is an environmental expert at the Wasatch County Health Department and the department’s emergency response coordinator. He said there are a few clear signs harmful algal blooms are present in water bodies.  Hastings said a lot of algae is non-hazardous and non-toxic, but there are some algal growths that can produce a harmful toxin. The Health Department works with water quality experts to retrieve samples and conduct testing of algae. Harmful algal blooms typically look like a fluorescent spill of green paint or antifreeze over water. There’s usually a bright, brilliant green color or sheen. That’s the first sign to watch out for.  Hastings said not all algae is classified as harmful. But he said it can be easy to see green matter floating in water that doesn’t look like it belongs.  The greatest risk is to pets and children, who are more likely to drink the water. There will be uncomfortable side effects and irritation with mild exposure, Hastings said. Severe exposure, however, could result in neurological damage and can even prove fatal for some pets or people. “Usually, it’s irritation. Skin irritation, eye irritation, nose, throat, respiratory irritation,” Hastings said. “If you ingest it for some reason and it’s high enough, you could have some abdominal pains and headaches.” Hastings said there have been several reports of pets drinking water with present harmful algal blooms. Those animals usually become sick, but there have also been reports of pet fatalities.  Hastings said that this is the time of year when harmful algal blooms appear — in the heat and direct sunlight. He added that harmful algal blooms can migrate to different areas of a water body with thermal shifts and wind.  Right now, there are no warning advisories or health watches for harmful algal blooms in Summit County, where Phil Bondurant is the Summit County health director.  Though Jordanelle Reservoir is not in Summit County, Bondurant said that’s most likely where Summit County residents will be recreating in the summer. Along with Rockport and Echo Reservoir, it’s included in the three main water bodies the Health Department keeps an eye on and tests.  No matter where visitors are swimming, wading and paddling, Bondurant said it’s important to keep an eye on water conditions. “Any time we see bodies of water that don’t look healthy … we want to stay out of it,” Bondurant said. “Keep your dogs away. Keep your children away. Keep yourself away. Go to a different part of the lake and enjoy where the water appears to be a little bit healthier and a little bit clearer.” Bondurant said Summit County will continue to test water bodies throughout the summer. If visitors see algae present or clear harmful algae blooms, Bondurant said it’s best to report the area to the Health Department.  “Just keep an eye on it,” Hastings said. “Be vigilant.” Harmful algal blooms and health concerns around water bodies can be reported to the Department of Environmental Quality at (801) 536-4123. A map of all advisories in the state can be found on the Department of Environmental Quality website: deq.utah.gov/dwq/recreational-water-quality  The post Harmful algal bloom warning advisory in effect at East Wallsburg Bay, Deer Creek Reservoir appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less