Toxic algae detected in Cherry Creek Reservoir

After discovering toxic algae in the Cherry Creek Reservoir, o cials are not permitting some recreational activities like swimming and paddleboarding in parts of the reservoir.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which announced the recreational closure in a July 30 news release, advises that people and their pets avoid contact with the water at the reservoir because a toxic, blue-green algae bloom was found on the shoreline.

Toxic algae can a ect the liver, skin, or neurological systems of people and pets, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said swimming, paddleboarding and wading will not be allowed near the marina and the “west shades” area of the reservoir. ere are warning signs at the recreational closure areas.

“All skin-to-water contact should be avoided for humans and pets,” Cherry Creek Operations Manager

Larry Butter eld said in the release. “Contact with the water could cause minor skin rashes and make pets ill. Dogs need to be on-leash to keep them from drinking or playing in the (algae) bloom.”

Symptoms of toxic algae exposure for people may include skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, fever, headache, liver damage, allergic reac- tions and asthma are-ups, according to the state health department.

For pets, symptoms may include drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, low energy, not eating, stumbling and tremors.

If someone suspects that they or their pet was exposed to toxic algae, the state health department recommends showering immedi- ately and contacting their healthcare provider, veterinarian, or poison control at (800) 222-2222.

Boating and shing, however, are not restricted in these areas of the Cherry Creek Reservoir. e state health department advises that boats avoid areas with toxic algae and to clean sh well and discard sh guts ap- propriately. e reservoir’s recreational closures came after water samples tested by the state health department showed a high, “red level” of microcystin, an algal toxin.

Microcystin is a potent liver toxin and possible human carcinogen, according to the