State restricts access to Lake Colorado City due to algae

Mother Nature did what COVID-19 couldn’t last week by forcing the swimmers and boaters from Lake Colorado City.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists joined with Texas water quality officials in closing lake access at Lake Colorado City State Park due to the presence of a blue-green algae bloom

“Out of an abundance of caution and per the recommendation of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists and water quality officials, lake access at Lake Colorado City State Park is closed until further notice.” TPWD officials said in a release to area residents last week. “The lake will be closed to boating, swimming, and fishing.”

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are single-cell organisms that create large colonies or filaments of “scum” on top of shallow nutrient-rich water. The algae can be toxic to fish populations, as well as a threat to the health of livestock and, in some cases, humans who ingest the unpurified water.

In some cases, the algae can form thick blooms that appear as a blue-green paint on the surface of the water.

According to biologists, two forms of blue-green algae present in Texas produce substances that cause taste and odor problems in water supplies. In some cases, blue-green algae can produce toxins that are poisonous to fish and wildlife. There also are documented cases of blue-green algal toxins harming humans in other parts of the world through the consumption of poorly treated water. Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

Despite restricting lake access, park officials said Colorado City State Park remains open for all other activities, including camping.