SARATOGA SPRINGS – Concerns about algal blooms are growing as rapid growth of harmful algae occurs in lakes and reservoirs across the state, including Utah Lake.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued algal bloom warnings for Provo Bay, Lincoln Beach, American Fork Beach and Saratoga Springs Marina.

Some families visiting the lake on Independence Day said they are heeding the warnings.

“We try to be cautious,” said Chris Atherton. “A few times we felt the shore was too green for our grandchildren to swim in.”

The harmful blooms are solely the result of summer weather, says Mike Pelz, vice president of BlueGreen Water Technologies, a company that works with the DEQ to develop natural prevention solutions.

“In the summer, there is significantly more sunlight. Combine that with the temperatures, and it's a perfect scenario for these bacteria, also called blue-green algae, to multiply very, very quickly, which we call a bloom,” Pelz said.

Authorities in Utah warn of drinking water contaminated by algal blooms

The authorities strongly warn against drinking the water. They advise cleaning the fish thoroughly before eating it and keeping pets away from the water.

“I think the warning is good for people who are concerned about it, and they should be concerned about it,” Atherton said. “I've been in worse waters than this and like I said, just be careful and don't drink it.”

He said they typically avoid Utah Lake in early August because the water level is lower and they are more likely to notice the blooms.

“It's limited to different places, so just stay away,” he said.

The first sign you may notice is that the water just doesn't look right.

“That's any greenish or bluish-green cast on the water,” Pelz said. “Anything that looks like green sludge or just a discoloration. In other words, if it doesn't look right, it probably isn't right.”

The current warning level poses health risks to swimmers and pets. However, fishing and boating on Utah Lake are still permitted.

“Algal blooms are not static and they don't stay in one place,” Pelz said. “They're driven by water currents and by the wind. So if the wind is blowing in one direction, that algae can end up in a bay or on a shore, but if the wind changes or the current changes or whatever reason, the algae can move.”

Saratoga Springs authorities have warned residents that the algae in the water could produce dangerous toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals.

If you see a possible bloom, you are asked to report it to the DEQ.