By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued a warning advisory for Scofield Reservoir due to the presence of a harmful algae bloom in the water body. As such, the DEQ advises visitors not to swim or water ski in the reservoir.

According to the DEQ,” Harmful algal blooms and mats occur when cyanobacteria multiply quickly to form visible colonies of millions of cells. Sometimes the cyanobacteria that form these blooms can produce toxins which cause illness and can damage the human kidney, liver, or neurological system. Pets and livestock are more likely to drink water and be hurt by these toxins.”

These blooms usually occur in standing waterbodies such as reservoirs or lakes. Typically, these blooms take a green or blue shade and can resemble spilled paint, green globules, surface scum, foam, floating mats or grass clippings.

Exposure to a harmful algae bloom can result in skin irritation, illness, permanent organ damage or death. Exposure can occur from direct contact, consuming contaminated water or inhaling airborne toxins while boating, jet-skiing or waterskiing.

Due to the risk, visitors to the reservoir are advised not to swim in the water body. They should also avoid areas of algae while boating, clean any fish caught, discard the skin and guts, and refrain from drinking the water.

Updates will be provided by the DEQ on the organization’s website. An interactive map of the affected areas is available here.

Castle Country Radio will continue to monitor the advisory and provide an update when it becomes available.