The Utah Department of Environmental Quality concluded its recreational water quality monitoring for the Jordan River season on November 1, 2025. The monitoring program tracked health concerns including E. coli and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) within the river corridor flowing through Utah and Salt Lake Counties.
During the 2025 season, multiple updates indicated the presence of harmful algal blooms in various sections of the river. On October 20, 2025, monitoring teams identified visible signs of a harmful algal bloom that could produce dangerous toxins capable of making humans and animals sick.
Specific advisories were issued for different stretches of the water. The Jordan River from the Utah Lake outlet to 9000 South was under a warning advisory during several months of the season, including updates on August 8, September 2, September 26, and October 20, 2025. A health watch was also noted for the Jordan River north of 9000 South.
Earlier in the summer, on July 23, 2025, monitoring teams saw visible signs of a harmful algal bloom in the Southern Jordan River near Lehi and Saratoga Springs.
Health recommendations provided during the bloom periods advised visitors to avoid swimming or water skiing in areas containing algae. While kayaking was considered acceptable if avoiding algae, officials recommended that people do not drink the water, keep animals away from green scum, and clean fish well while discarding guts.
By July 31, 2025, water conditions at the Jordan River fell within state guidance for a warning advisory.
Following the end of the monitoring season in November 2025, the DEQ scheduled monitoring to resume in June or July 2026. Officials noted that harmful algal blooms can occur year-round and advised the public to check for updates before recreating.
