, N.M. —

The New Mexico Environment Department has lifted harmful algae bloom advisories for Santa Cruz Lake in Santa Fe County and Clayton Lake in Union County.

The advisories, issued in late September, were removed after updated monitoring showed water conditions had improved.

Harmful algae blooms occur when certain algae grow rapidly in lakes and reservoirs, sometimes creating toxins that can pose health risks to people and animals. Blooms can appear blue, green, brown, or red and may look like scum or floating grass clippings.

Even with the advisory lifted, NMED urges visitors not to drink untreated surface water, watch children and pets closely, and rinse fish with clean water before cooking.

The department continues monitoring lakes from July through November, when blooms are mo

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