Toxic algae found in lakes LBJ and Inks potentially poses danger to people and pets

Toxic algae was found in Lake LBJ and Inks Lake, which may be dangerous if consumed, the Lower Colorado River Authority said Thursday.

Tests conducted this week by the river authority detected high toxicity levels in algae taken from three sites on Lake LBJ and three sites on Inks Lake. The concerning levels of toxicity were detected only in the algae itself, not in the lake water, according to a press release.

Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae thrives in hot, dry weather, and the algae can produce toxins at all times, said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. His advice is to treat all algae as if it could be toxic.

Although the organization hasn't tested lakes Buchanan, Marble Falls or Travis this summer, Hofmann said cyanotoxins are still likely present in those areas of the Highland Lakes. If you see algae in the water, move somewhere else, he said.

“As we’ve been saying for years, keep people and pets away from algae in the Highland Lakes,” Hofmann said.

LCRA has not received reports of pets becoming ill from the lakes' algae since 2021, when several dogs became sick or died after contact with algae in Lake Travis.

“Pet owners need to take this seriously,” Hofmann said. “Dogs will eat algae or lick it off their coats, which can have devastating consequences if the algae is producing toxins.”

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Toxic algae found in lakes LBJ and Inks may be danger to people, pets