Going to a lake soon? Check out the state's toxic algae tracker
As summer water recreation is in full bloom, it’s important to be aware when a river or stream might contain toxic algae.
Harmful algae blooms pose a serious threat for humans, pets and aquatic life.
Some of the symptoms of exposure or ingestion in humans include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms, and, in rare cases, death, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Algae bloom toxins can also kill dogs, livestock and other animals.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has a tracker for bodies of water on their website. Its data is available to download in English and Spanish.
As of July 17, the tracker showed 56 waterbodies had no blooms; five waterbodies had blooms with no toxins, toxins below safety thresholds, or waiting on test results; and one bloom with toxins above safety thresholds.
For more information on what causes blooms and what to do if you’re in contact with one, read our other story here.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Toxic algae blooms: Find status of dozens of Colorado bodies of water
