Algae Bloom Leads to Quiet Labor Day Weekend on Pineview Reservoir

EDEN, Utah – Health officials with the Weber-Morgan Health Department are advising caution for people using Pineview Reservoir over Labor Day weekend after toxic algae was spotted in the water there.

Michela Harris, director of environmental health at the department, said they occasionally get reports of algae, but the amount collecting near Windsurfer Beach was an extreme case.

The department issued a warning, telling people not to swim or water ski in areas where they see algae. According to the health department warning, exposure to the algae can cause headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The warning also says algae can also cause allergic-like reactions from skin contact. They said people visiting the reservoir should keep a close eye on children and animals to make sure they do not drink the water.

People who were enjoying a Labor Day weekend at the reservoir said crowds were much smaller than normal. Some people who parked near the beach noticed the warning and headed elsewhere.

Some were comfortable just keeping a close eye on the water around them. Parker Ward and his cousins spent the afternoon fishing from the shoreline and enjoying some extra room on the beach.

“Yeah, it’s better to have more space to breathe and to fish more and not have so many waves hitting up on the shore,” he said.

Health officials have taken samples to determine levels of concentration and toxicity of the algae.