Panguitch Lake closed after harmful algal bloom detected


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PANGUITCH — Health officials closed Panguitch Lake Monday after finding “extremely high” toxin levels from an algal bloom in the water.

The tests of water taken on Sept. 12 showed high levels of cyanobacteria, a common toxin found in blue-green algae, according to Southwestern Utah Health Department officials. They said microcystin levels were 12.5 times higher than the allowed threshold.

Signs were being posted Monday to warn people of the closure. In addition, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food warned livestock owners in the area of the algal bloom, advising them to stop cattle from drinking water from the lake or any downstream sources until further notice.

More water samples were being collected by Division of Water Quality Monday, according to the health department.

The closure is just the latest related to algal blooms in the state over the past few months. Several algal blooms in Utah Lake led to the closure of Lindon Marina and Lincoln Beach and Marina in Spanish Fork back in August.

Scofield Reservoir in Price, Rockport Reservoir in Summit County and Pineview Reservoir near Ogden all had closures or warnings at some point during the summer related to algal blooms.

The bacteria, which is sometimes referred to as blue-green algae, can be harmful to humans and pets, according to the Utah Department of Health. The department states people may experience stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes. People may also experience nerve and liver damage after long-term exposure to the toxin.

The toxin can be fatal for pets and other wildlife that consume it, the department added.

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Carter Williams is an award-winning reporter who covers general news, outdoors, history and sports for KSL.com.

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