Water, algae at Bulk Creek test negative for toxins

AUSTIN, Texas - City of Austin officials announced Friday that results from lab tests indicate that no toxins were present in either algae or water samples taken on Friday, August 6, from Bull Creek.

When staff took the samples, they say the creek appeared normal with wispy green algae typical of Hill Country streams. The previous day, the City of Austin was informed that a person developed symptoms that could be associated with exposure to harmful algae after playing in Bull Creek on August 1.

Although the algae samples were negative, the flow of water in Bull Creek spiked twice between the exposure and the samplings. These spikes may have been enough to change the algae in the creek.

Out of an abundance of caution, the City says it revisited the creek this morning and took additional samples. There has not been any change in the appearance of the algae over the past week. Lab results from today’s samples should be available towards the end of next week.

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In 2019 the toxin made national headlines claiming the lives of three Austin dogs.

The City says Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, occurs naturally in Central Texas waterways. Some species can produce toxins under certain conditions, which is called a harmful algae bloom or proliferation. However, harmful algae are much less likely to appear in a creek environment when water is cool and flowing.

Toxins were first detected in algae in Lady Bird Lake in 2019. The City of Austin ordered specialized lab tests after being told that a dog died after swimming in Lady Bird Lake.

The City says it is currently monitoring Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin for harmful algae every other week.

"We have had isolated positive tests for dihydroanatoxin at Walsh Boat Landing in June and Jessica Hollis Park in March. We have detected decreasing levels of dihydroanatoxin in algae at Red Bud Isle since June. The City of Austin is currently conducting a pilot program to see if lowering nutrients levels around Red Bud Isle reduces the amount or toxicity of harmful algae in that location," said The City in a press release Friday.

To date, the City of Austin has only detected toxins in mats of algae that can be found growing on the bottom of the lake or floating on the surface. This means exposure would come through touching or swallowing visible algae.

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Most of the algae present at Lake Travis is harmless, but the LCRA said this year tests showed toxic blue-green algae mixed in.

The City says it is aware of five dogs who died after swimming in Lady Bird Lake in 2019 and warning signs have been posted there for this reason. In people of all ages, symptoms of exposure to harmful algae may include:

Skin irritation
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Fever
Headache
Muscle weakness or dizziness
Eye irritation

In dogs, symptoms may include:

Excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea
Foaming at the mouth
Jaundice and hepatomegaly
Blood in urine or dark urine
Stumbling
Loss of appetite
Photosensitization in recovering animals
Abdominal tenderness
Progression of muscle twitches
Respiratory paralysis

The City encourages the public to call 311 or 512-974-2000 to report any illnesses in either people or pets from exposure to harmful algae. More information about harmful algae is at AustinTexas.gov/algae.

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