Toxic Algae Bloom Hits Utah Lake, Jordan River System; 100s Exposed, Ducks Killed
SALT LAKE CITY — Roughly 330 people were exposed to toxins caused by a large algal bloom that erupted at Utah Lake and spread to the Jordan River system, prompting advisories to stay out of the water and causing concerns over farmers' crops.
Officials also report that another 20 exposures involve animals, mostly dogs that have entered contaminated water. Riverton, South Jordan, West Jordan and Herriman shut down secondary water systems, and the Welby Jacob Canal Co. also cut off users for fear that harmful levels of cyanobacteria could contaminate crops.
The state Department of Environmental Quality reports 100 dead ducks were found in one of the more than half-dozen canals that comes off the Jordan River, and tests are underway to determine if the bloom's toxins are responsible.
Barbara Insley Crouch, executive director of the Utah Poison Control Center, said about 330 cases have been logged of exposure to cyanobacteria from the algal bloom, with symptoms that include vomiting, headache, diarrhea and abdominal pain. At high thresholds, the toxins can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.
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http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865658274/Toxic-algal-bloom-impacting-people-animals-and-farms-in-2-counties.html?pg=all
