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Defenders: Why Central Texas development may be partly to blame for toxic blue-green algae

The toxic blue-green algae found in several Central Texas waterways could be a deadly side effect of the area's booming growth.

Terri Gruca

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Published: 6:17 AM CDT May 3, 2021
Updated: 10:46 PM CDT May 3, 2021

The lure of Austin's lakes and recreational lifestyle contributes to its growth. But for all the fun and beauty our waterways bring, there is also a danger: toxic algae killing pets. 

And it's not just happening in the summer months.

Back in the summer of 2019, several dogs died after visits to Austin-area lakes, where they ingested blue-green algae. It happened again right after the snowstorms this winter. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) found the same toxic algae in several of the Highland Lakes.

Turns out, it could be a deadly side effect of our booming growth.

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