SALT LAKE CITY — Harmful algal blooms are making a strong showing in Utah this year, with 15 lakes and reservoirs currently under health advisories. State scientists say it appears to be a busier season than usual, and climate conditions may be playing a role.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) monitors 52 water bodies across the state for blooms. Ellen Bailey, an environmental scientist with the DEQ, says awareness has grown since a major outbreak in 2016 at Utah Lake.

“Our monitoring really picked up around 2016 when Utah Lake had a really big bloom,” Bailey said. “It definitely put it on our radar.”

While algal blooms happen every year, Bailey says this season is proving especially active.

“It’s hard to say what normal is, but it can vary year to year,” she explained

See Full Page