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Water Advisory at Lake Powell Warns of Cyanotoxins Near Safe Limits

Visitors are urged to heed strict safety measures after tests in Antelope Canyon revealed cyanotoxin levels near the upper limit of safe exposure

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An aerial view at Lake Powell on June 24, 2021 in Utah.
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Overview

  • National Park Service sampling on July 2 detected cyanotoxin concentrations at the mouth of Antelope Canyon at the high end of safe exposure levels.
  • A water advisory issued on July 3 requires visitors to avoid visible algal blooms, refrain from boating, water-skiing or jet-skiing on scummy water, and clean boats and fishing equipment after use.
  • All recreation areas in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area remain open under guidelines designed to minimize toxin exposure.
  • Exposure can produce stomachaches, rashes, headaches and respiratory problems, and officials recommend medical care for individuals or pets that exhibit these symptoms.
  • Warmer temperatures and nutrient runoff are fueling more frequent and prolonged harmful algal blooms in Lake Powell, which holds over 24 million acre-feet of water.