The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a series of health advisories for a number of the state’s popular reservoirs after detecting harmful cyanobacteria blooms, commonly known as blue‑green algae. These blooms can produce toxins that pose a risk to people, pets and livestock.
Advisories by location
Glendo Reservoir – A Toxin Advisory is in effect for several spots, including the Marina and Custer Cove Campground. The advisory is triggered when toxin concentrations exceed thresholds set for safe recreational use.
Alcova, Pathfinder, Seminoe, Boysen and other reservoirs – A Bloom Advisory covers the entire water body at each of these locations. This advisory is issued whenever visible cyanobacteria blooms are present, regardless of measured toxin levels.
What the advisories mean
When a Toxin Advisory is posted, the water is considered unsafe for any direct contact. A Bloom Advisory signals that the water looks compromised by algae, and while toxins may not yet be at dangerous levels, the risk of exposure remains.
Safety recommendations from DEQ
- Do not swim, wade, or engage in any water‑based recreation in the affected areas.
- Avoid drinking water from the reservoirs, even if it is boiled, filtered or treated. The toxins are not removed by standard household methods.
- If you fish, rinse your catch with clean water from a safe source and consume only the fillet. Discard the skin and any internal organs that may have been exposed to the bloom.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the water. Do not let them drink, eat the algae or lick their fur after contact.
- Avoid being sprayed by water from boats or sprinklers that draw from the contaminated reservoirs.
Alternative ways to enjoy Wyoming’s outdoors
The advisories do not prohibit access to the surrounding parks and recreation areas. Residents and visitors can still take advantage of the many land‑based activities Wyoming is known for:
- Hiking the extensive trail networks that wind around the reservoirs.
- Mountain biking on designated paths and back‑country routes.
- Camping at the numerous campgrounds that remain open, provided you follow the water‑safety guidelines.
- Bird‑watching and big‑game viewing in the surrounding habitats, which are especially vibrant during the early fall season.
Why the blooms are happening
Harmful cyanobacteria blooms thrive in warm, stagnant water with high nutrient levels. Recent weather patterns in Wyoming have produced the perfect conditions for these organisms to multiply rapidly. While the state’s water managers continue to monitor water quality closely, the DEQ advises the public to stay informed through official channels.
How to stay updated
Advisories are posted on the Wyoming DEQ website and updated as conditions change. Residents can also follow local news outlets and the DEQ’s social‑media feeds for real‑time alerts. If you have questions about a specific location, contact the DEQ’s Water Quality Division at the phone number listed on their website.
Community responsibility
Protecting Wyoming’s natural resources is a shared responsibility. Residents are encouraged to report any unusual water discoloration or foul odors to the DEQ. By staying vigilant and following the safety guidelines, we can all help preserve the beauty and health of our state’s reservoirs for future generations.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
