OGDEN, Utah – Algal bloom warnings are in effect for portions of the Pineview Reservoir, the Weber-Morgan Health Department announced Thursday.
The warning applies to the Port Ramp Marina area of Pineview Reservoir and the south end near 5900 East, the health department said on social media. The post also noted that an E. coli warning remains in effect for the middle inlet of the reservoir.
Brian Cowan, health officer for the Weber-Morgan Health Department, said the department found an algal bloom during weekly sampling of the reservoir.
“We have seen elevated E. coli levels and, in recent sampling, elevated cyanobacteria levels as well as visible bacterial blooms in parts of the reservoir,” he said.
The cyanobacteria cause algal blooms, Cowan said.
What does the algal bloom warning in Pineview Reservoir mean?
According to Cowan, the levels found in recent samples were enough to prompt the health department to issue warnings because they may pose potential health risks.
“But the situation is not yet so serious that we would order the closure of any area of the reservoir or the beaches,” he noted.
Visitors to Pineview Reservoir should be on the lookout for algal blooms.
“These are a type of blue-green colored algae. They float together in a mat or mass. Some people say the bloom looks like pea soup,” he said.
If you see them, avoid the area, Cowan advises. He also advises against submerging your head under water or drinking the water.
Cowan also said to wash quickly when entering the water and make sure pets do not swallow the water.
Becky Bruce contributed to reporting this story.
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