The Wyoming Department of Health recently issued a recreational use advisory for a southwestern Wyoming reservoir after harmful cyanobacteria was detected.

On August 5, satellite imagery identified elevated densities of "blue-gree" algae covering a large portion of Eden Reservoir in Sweetwater County. A recreational use advisory was subsequently issued, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality said Tuesday.

On Aug. 8, Wyoming DEQ visited the reservoir and took water samples which were found to exceed the threshold to issue the advisory.

The advisory will remain in effect until the bloom has completely dissipated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, harful algal blooms can produce toxins that cause illness in humans, pets, livestock and wildlife.

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and length of the exposure.

In order to prevent exposure to humans and pets, Wyoming DEQ advises:

  • Avoiding contact with water in the vicinity of the bloom, especially where the bloom is dense or forms scrums.
  • Do not injest water from the bloom. Boiling, filration/other treatments will not remove toxins. 
  • Rinse fish with clean water and eat only the filet portion.
  • Avoid water spray from the bloom.
  • Do not allow pets or livestock to drink water near the bloom, eat bloom material or lick fur after contact.
  • If humans, pets or livestock come in contact with a bloom, rinse off with clean water as soon as possible and contact a doctor or veternarian.

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