Blue-green algae back at Red Bud Isle
Toxic blue-green algae back
The city of Austin's watershed department says toxic blue-green algae is back in Lady Bird Lake. While it can occur at any time, the risk is highest when it's hot out.
AUSTIN, Texas - Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are back in Austin.
According to Austin Watershed Protection, significant amounts were found at Red Bud Isle.
Why are cyanobacteria dangerous?
What they're saying:
Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are dangerous for humans but especially harmful to dogs.
Dr. Brent Bellinger is the Conservation Program Supervisor with the Austin Watershed Protection Department.
"If you go to any creek, any reservoir, you want to be aware that this potentially toxic algae could be present," said Dr. Brent Bellinger.
It has a slimy texture and floats on stagnant or still bodies of water. While it can be beneficial to aquatic ecosystems, overgrowth leads to blooms, which can cause health concerns.
"Human activities, unfortunately, can stimulate excessive growth, can stimulate that toxic toxin production," said Bellinger.
Scientists say toxic algae can be deadly for dogs, people
The city is urging people and pets to not get in the water if it’s warm or stagnant, or if they see any algae. If you do, rinse off after going for a swim.
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Dogs often ingest algae from lake water, swim in it, or get it on their fur and try to lick it off. The algae can be fatal for them.
"Unfortunately, for the dogs, if they get that mat material in their fur, if it's on a tennis ball; they incidentally ingest, then they have that exposure," said Bellinger.
High concentrations of algae blooms can also be harmful to fish. The toxins tend to localize in fish tissue, specifically the liver and kidneys, but not necessarily the parts we eat.
"We've been studying this now for five years, trying to understand what are some of those triggers that go from nontoxic to toxic out here so that we can make better predictions, forecasts, and provide better information to the public," said Bellinger.
What you can do:
"We want people to enjoy Austin's phenomenal resources, but we want people to be cautious," said Bellinger.
His advice is to avoid contact with the algae, not drink from the lake, rinse off after being in the water, and the same goes for your pets.
The Source: Information in this report comes from the Austin Watershed Protection Department.