State officials are asking Utahns to learn how to identify harmful algal blooms this fall to ensure hikers, hunters and recreators stay safe after the state’s seasonal monitoring period ends on Halloween. Currently, there are watch and warning advisories for 27 waterbodies across the state, ac cording to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Deer Creek Reservoir in Wasatch County and Echo Reservoir in Summit County are the only waterbodies listed along the Wasatch Back, but both have met the threshold for a warning advisory. Warning advisories mean tests indicate the presence of a harmful algal bloom in the water, but the bloom is not yet severe enough to warrant closing a reservoir. The Division of Wildlife Resources in a recent press release said there’s a common misconception that harmful algal blooms are restricted to the summer months. In reality, though, blooms often persist throughout the fall and winter, which is especially important for hunters to know as waterfowl season kicks off in October. “By the end of October, many active advisories will be lifted, warning signs posted at waterbodies will start to come down, and website updates will stop,” said Ally Marrs, an environmental and recreational health coordinator for the Utah Division of Water Quality. “However, it’s essential to know that these blooms can continue in colder weather. People should know what to look for, and, when in doubt, keep your pets and hunting dogs out of the water.” The Division of Wildlife Resources maintains a website for Utahns to check whether a body of water is under an advisory, but the state shuts it down each year toward the end of October. But the agency emphasized the lack of consistent testing and state-issued warnings is because the seasonal monitoring period ended, not because harmful algal blooms aren’t present in colder months. Blooms form when cyanobacteria, a naturally occurring blue-green algae, multiply, which causes visible water discoloration. The algae is dangerous to humans and pets, including hunting dogs, because it can produce several kinds of toxins that affect liver, nerve and skin tissues. “Harmful algal blooms can look like pea soup, spilled paint, grass clippings or water that has a green or blue-green hue,” the Division of Wildlife Resources said in its press release. “Harmful algae mats grow on the bottom of rivers or standing water in shades of green or brown and are generally slimy, velvety or jelly-like, with a musty smell.” The state agency created a website with photos to help hunters and recreators better identify harmful algal blooms, and an additional link on the page directs visitors to a two-page fact sheet with more details. “If you suspect a harmful algal bloom in the water or algae mats along the edge of the water or in wetlands, stay out of the water and avoid any contact with water or scum,” the Division of Wildlife Resources warned. “Be sure to clean waterfowl and fish well with clean water, and discard all guts and skin.” The agency said waterfowl hunters should keep an eye on hunting dogs and prevent them from going into the water if they suspect a harmful algal bloom. Specifically, dogs are at risk of absorbing toxins if their skin makes contact with water or an algal mat or if they swallow water or an algal mat. If a dog has direct contact with a harmful algal bloom, the Division of Wildlife Resources said to expect a rash, hives and other signs of an allergic reaction. However, if the dog ingests the water, symptoms will likely be more severe, including excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, foaming at the mouth, stumbling, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. “If you suspect your dog has been exposed to harmful algae, seek immediate care from your veterinarian,” the press release said. “Even with proper veterinary care, exposures may be fatal. Prevention is the best way to protect your pet.” Suspected harmful algae can be reported to the state by calling 801-536-4123. The post State officials warn Utahns to familiarize themselves with harmful algal blooms this fall appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less