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Harmful algae bloom advisories in effect at eight Wyoming waterbodies; four under investigation

Harmful cyanobacterial bloom at Toltec Reservoir. (Photo via Wyoming DEQ and WDH's Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom (HCB) Advisories website)

CASPER, Wyo. — Harmful algae bloom advisories are in effect at eight Wyoming waterbodies, with four additional waterbodies under investigation after reports of possible blooms of cyanobacteria, according to an online advisories map of the state.

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms, also known as blue-green algae blooms, can pose health risks to people, pets and livestock, according to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Wyoming DEQ works with other agencies to test for and address harmful algae bloom risks in the state.

The Wyoming Department of Health issues harmful algae bloom advisories when cyanobacterial blooms are present in a waterbody. The WDH issues toxin advisories when toxin concentrations exceed recreational thresholds. There are no toxin advisories listed on the Wyoming Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Advisory website as of 3:28 p.m. Tuesday.

While there are no toxin advisories, there are bloom advisories in effect as of Tuesday afternoon at the following waterbodies in Wyoming:

  • Boysen Reservoir
    • Date issued: July 21
    • Management agency: Wyoming State Parks
  • Toltec Reservoir
    • Date issued: July 20
    • Management agency: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
  • Leazenby Lake (Hundred Springs Reservoir)
    • Date issued: July 20
    • Management agency: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
  • Woodruff Narrows Reservoir
    • Date issued: July 20
    • Management agency: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
  • Big Sandy Reservoir
    • Date issued: July 14
    • Management agency: Bureau of Reclamation
  • Eden Reservoir
    • Date issued: July 14
    • Management agency: Bureau of Reclamation
  • Goshen Hole Reservoir
    • Date issued: June 28
    • Management agency: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
  • Gillette Fish Lake
    • Date issued: June 8
    • Management agency: Gillette Public Works Department

Four waterbodies are under investigation after reports of possible blooms, according to the Wyoming Harmful Cyanobacterial Bloom Advisory website:

  • Hutton Lake
    • Report date: July 22
    • Status: DEQ has sampled the lake with results pending.
  • Rainbow Lake
    • Report date: July 22
    • Status: Bloom reported to DEQ by the Shoshone Forest Service.
  • Scouts Pond
    • Report date: July 22
    • Status: Bloom reported to DEQ by the Shoshone Forest Service. The Forest Service plans to investigate and collect samples for analysis.
  • Virgin Lake
    • Report date: July 22
    • Status: Bloom reported to DEQ by the Shoshone Forest Service.

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