Windsor Lake closed after testing positive for blue-green algae
Update, July 29, 2022: The state health department gave the town of Windsor the go-ahead to reopen Windsor Lake to the public. The lake will reopen Saturday, July 30, 2022, according to a town announcement.
Original story: Residents hoping to swim in Windsor Lake this weekend were met with closures after a precautionary water sample city officials took Wednesday tested positive for harmful blue-green algae.
Town officials closed the lake Friday after getting those results and it will remain closed until further notice, according to a town news release. The closure includes all rentals, concessions, beach access and the dog beach. Any boaters with annual permits are still allowed on the lake to help agitate the water.
What is blue-green algae and why is it harmful?
Despite its name, blue-green algae isn't actually algae, it's a type of bacteria that is common in Colorado lakes. In fact, Windsor Lake saw similar closures in July 2019 and 2021 because the algae usually occurs through a combination of sustained hot weather and nutrient-polluted stormwater runoff from fertilizers.
Fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are harmful to aquatic ecosystems because they deprive the water of oxygen. Add in a few weeks of hot weather and algae begins to grow faster than these ecosystems can handle.
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Blue-green algae creates toxins that are harmful to both people and animals. If you or your dog has come in contact with contaminated water, shower immediately and contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222 or copoisoncenter.org if you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, a rash or other unexplained illness.
Preventing blue-green algae
Residents can do their part to help prevent harmful algae by avoiding fertilizers and instead using yard waste, grass clippings or leaves as mulch. If fertilizers are necessary they shouldn't be applied before rain or on windy days. Residents can also help by picking up pet waste, which contains excess nutrients, according to information form Windsor's Parks, Recreation and Culture website.
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What's next?
The town of Windsor will continue to work with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to monitor levels of algae in the lake, according to a press release. In the meantime, certain areas of the park are still open including the hiking trail around the lake, catch and release fishing, the playground and the volleyball court. Windsor's Community Recreation Center, Chimney Park Pool and Eastman Park River Experience remain open for residents to take a dip as temperatures climb throughout the week.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Windsor Lake in Colorado closed, tests positive for blue-green algae
