Staff with the Austin Watershed Protection Department said they spotted mats of blue-green algae, which can be toxic, near Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake as well as at the Walsh Boat Landing on Lake Austin. City staff has taken samples at all six of its monitoring sites to conduct testing, with officials noting there may be blue-green algae mats at other parts along Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake and other area creeks.
Blue-green algae mats typically appear as dark blobs that bob along the water’s surface, which can then intermingle with other types of algae or water-based vegetation. Hotter weather conditions typically provide more ideal environments for these kinds of algae mats to develop, with city officials often spotting them during the summertime.
Humans, as well as their pets, should avoid waterways for three days after a bout of rain and if they notice the following conditions:
Those who do enter those waterways should avoid touching the algae and rinse skin, hair and animal fur after any water contact. Pet owners should rinse their animals off immediately before they can lick their fur, and neither humans nor animals should drink water from those waterways.
“If you or your pet experiences sudden, unexplained illness after swimming, contact your medical provider or veterinarian immediately,” the release read, adding that people can report online any suspected human or animal illnesses related to blue-green algae.