August 3, 2023 |
Photo – Saratoga Lake Algae Bloom – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99
The Wyoming Department of Health is strongly advising people not to swim in Saratoga Lake. Officials cite dangerous algae bloom.
During Tuesday night’s Saratoga town council meeting, Town Clerk Marie Christen said the town received an advisory letter from the Wyoming Department of Health. Christen said state officials discovered a large collection of cyanobacteria in Saratoga Lake. Reading from the letter, Christen told people to keep themselves and their pets away from the algae bloom.
Wyoming Department of Health Surveillance Epidemiologist Courtney Tillman said the Department of Environmental Quality regularly tests various bodies of water around the state. Tillman said officials from DEQ noticed a large algae bloom on Saratoga Lake and are analyzing the bacteria to determine if it is dangerous.
Until the test results come in, Tillman said the Department of Health is assuming the algae is harmful to people and animals. The epidemiologist said it could take over a month before officials know if the bacteria are unsafe.
Saratoga Lake is susceptible to yearly algae blooms. Tillman said the still water combined with long exposure to the summer sun allows bacteria to grow out of control.
Tillman said the bloom can take several months to dissipate.
While the DEQ waits for the test results, Tillman said it is best to assume the algae is dangerous. To make sure you or your animals don’t get sick, the epidemiologist recommended not swimming in any discolored water.
Tillman said Saratoga Lake has numerous large algae blooms and recommended staying away from the water all together. The Department of Health epidemiologist also highly discouraged drinking the water. Tillman said the water cannot be made safe to drink. She said boiling and filtration will only amplify the harmful effects of the bacteria.
Tillman said it is especially important to keep animals away from the water until the algae blooms subside. The surveillance epidemiologist said the bacteria can have a mild effect on people, but be deadly for pets.
Tillman said DEQ will perform monthly tests to determine when the water is safe again.
At Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis said he will post the Wyoming Department of Health advisory information at Saratoga Lake and around town.
