A harmful algal bloom has been identified at Scofield Reservoir, leading the Southeast Utah Health Department to issue a formal advisory on August 12, 2026, due to the potential for dangerous toxins in the water. The advisory warns that the presence of algae may cause illness in both humans and animals.
Risks of Cyanobacteria
The Southeast Utah Health Department announced the advisory as part of its annual monitoring season, which runs from June 1 to October 31. According to the health department, harmful algal blooms occur when normally occurring cyanobacteria in the water multiply rapidly to form visible colonies or blooms. These blooms can produce potent cyanotoxins that pose serious health risks to humans and animals.
Unpredictable Toxicity
Health officials noted that while most algal blooms are not toxic, certain types of cyanobacteria produce toxins that affect the nerve or liver. Predicting toxicity is difficult because a single species of algae can possess both toxic and non-toxic strains. Consequently, a bloom that tests as non-toxic one day may become toxic the following day.
Safety Precautions for Recreators
To mitigate health risks, the advisory issued on August 12, 2026, includes several specific precautions for those visiting Scofield Reservoir. The health department advised the public not to drink the water and to avoid swimming, wading, or jet skiing. Additionally, people are instructed not to paddle in areas where algae is visible.
Guidelines for Fishers and Hunters
While certain activities are restricted, the health department stated that boating is permitted at the reservoir. For those engaging in fishing, the department noted that fishing is acceptable, but individuals should be careful to discard the skin and guts of the fish caught. This recommendation follows general guidance that hunters and fishers should clean waterfowl and fish thoroughly and discard all guts to prevent exposure to potential hazards.
Environmental Health Mission
The monitoring of these blooms is part of a broader environmental health effort in Southeast Utah. The Southeast Utah Health Department's Environmental Health branch is focused on threats to human health and safety posed by the natural and built environments. The branch aims to safeguard the community by protecting the air, water, food, and soil.
Broad Environmental Protection
The department's mission involves providing education and seeking to prevent, identify, and mitigate environmental hazards. This work includes monitoring various factors, such as air quality, radon levels, and the safety of food services and public pools. For instance, the department notes that radon is a leading cause of lung cancer and is commonly found in Utah homes.
Vector and Disease Preventionment Management
In addition to water quality, the department monitors other vectors and environmental risks. This includes managing information regarding West Nile virus, bed bugs, cockroaches, and elm seed bugs. To prevent West Nile virus, the department recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
