AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Watershed Protection has detected potentially toxic blue-green algae in multiple locations across Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin as seasonal warming increases algae growth in Central Texas waterways, the agency said on Tuesday.
The agency said it identified thick algae mats near Red Bud Isle on Lady Bird Lake and at Walsh Boat Landing on Lake Austin during routine monitoring. It collected samples from six monitoring sites for laboratory testing.
Austin Watershed Protection said the algae mats appear as dark floating patches and can include a mix of algae types and aquatic vegetation. The agency said it continues to monitor conditions in the affected waterways.
The agency advised residents to avoid contact with algae mats and to keep pets away from contaminated water. It also recommended that people avoid swallowing lake water, rinse off after water exposure, and prevent pets from licking their fur until they have been washed.
Blue-green algae blooms have been reported in Austin waterways in previous years during warmer months, when rising temperatures can contribute to increased growth.