AUSTIN, Texas — Roughly three weeks after the first report of toxic blue-green algae in Lady Bird Lake, the City of Austin Watershed Protection is reminding residents the harmful algal bloom continues.
Recent testing results revealed that the presence of harmful toxins produced by the algae continues. Positive test samples have been found at Red Bud Isle, Auditorium Shores and along Barton Creek between Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake.
Watershed Protection will keep on testing Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek on a weekly basis. The organization said the algae will naturally die off when cooler weather returns this fall.
The public is encouraged to continue the same precautions as previously reported, such as keeping your pets out of the water.
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, is common in Austin's creeks and lakes. However, this year, some of the algae has produce toxins that have been contributed to the deaths of local dogs.
For prior reports on Austin's blue-green algae problems, see below:
- City park rangers tell you how to keep dogs safe in the summer
- State reveals lack of requirements for testing water at Lady Bird Lake, other waterways
- Further tests reveal greater levels of neurotoxins in algae at Lady Bird Lake, Barton Creek
- Blue-green algae: Why it's so deadly to dogs, and how you can keep your pet safe
- After more reports of dog deaths to algae exposure, expert says nutrients are to blame
- Austinites reminded not to swim in, drink from Lady Bird Lake
- Preliminary Lady Bird Lake algae results show no toxins, low levels at Red Bud Isle
- 'I love you for all of time': Woman sends warning when dog dies after swimming in Lady Bird Lake
- Red Bud Isle closed after blue-green algae attributed to pet deaths