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Algal Bloom Triggers Health Warning At Scofield Reservoir

Scofied reservoir on a cloudy day.
Federal Highway Administration via A. E. Crane

The Utah Division of Water Quality has issued a health advisory at Scofield Reservoir west of Price due to growing algal blooms. Becky Colombo of the Southeast Utah Health Department said state water quality authorities have been testing for toxic bacteria almost daily.

“The numbers are low but they have been increasing steadily," says Colombo, "and so rather than have anyone become ill from the water, they are recommending no swimming.”

Colombo said drinking water is not affected by lake conditions.

“The drinking water is being treated, it’s 100% safe. And the canal water is still safe for livestock and pets to drink,” Colombo said.

The Division of Water Quality lists four total areas of testing at Scofield, two of which had visible blooms as early as July 5th.

Bob Nelson is a graduate of the University of Utah with a BA in mass communications. He began his radio career at KUER in 1978 when it was still in Kingsbury Hall. That’s also where he met his wife, Maria Shilaos, in 1981. Bob left KUER for commercial radio where he worked for 25 years, and he is thrilled to be back at KUER. Bob and his family are part of an explorer group, fondly known as The Hordes and Masses, which has been seeking out ghost towns and little-known places in Utah for more than twenty years.
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