Blue-green algae confirmed at Lake Colorado City Park

The blue-green algae bloom that occurred recently in Lake Colorado City continues to keep boaters, swimmers and fishermen off the lake at Lake Colorado City State Park.

According to officials at the state park, no fish kill has been reported, but evidence of the algae continues, and samples by the biologiests confirmed last week it is blue-green algae.

Additional samples were sent to the lab to determine the toxicity of the algae and to determine what stage the algae is in, and how harmful, if at all, it is.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists joined with Texas water quality officials last week in closing lake access at Lake Colorado City State Park due to the presence of the 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.” Camping and hiking are still allowed, just no one is to get in the lake.

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.