Austin, TX
Toxic algae detected in Lake LBJ and Inks Lake
AUSTIN, Texas – The Lower Colorado River Authority has detected toxic algae at levels that could pose a danger to dogs and people recreating in Lake LBJ and Inks Lake.
Test results received detected high levels of toxicity in algae taken from three sites on Lake LBJ and three sites on Inks Lake. The concerning levels of toxicity were detected only in the algae itself, not in the lake water.
LCRA has not received any reports of pets becoming ill in relation to algae in the Highland Lakes since 2021.
Toxic algae returns to Austin this summer
Experts are noticing an outbreak of toxic cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, in Central Texas as summer temperatures heat up.
LCRA biologists say cyanotoxins likely are present in other areas of the Highland Lakes as well.
“We haven’t tested algal material in lakes Buchanan, Marble Falls or Travis this summer, but there is every reason to believe algae there are producing toxins as well,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “I can’t stress this strongly enough – don’t take an unnecessary risk with your family, friends and pets. If you see algae in the water, move somewhere else to recreate, especially if you’ve got your dog with you.’’
TOXIC ALGAE IN CENTRAL TEXAS
Cyanotoxins from algae can pose a danger to humans and pets when ingested. Toxicity can only be confirmed by scientific testing, as fragments of algae look and smell the same regardless of whether they are producing toxins.
“Pet owners need to take this seriously,” Hofmann said. “Dogs will eat algae or lick it off their coats, which can have devastating consequences if the algae is producing toxins.”
Potentially toxic blue-green algae back in Austin
As weather heats up, so does the risk of toxic algae, and the City of Austin says it’s back at Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin.
LCRA has regularly monitored for cyanotoxins in the water in lakes Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Travis, Bastrop and Fayette since 2021, when several dogs became sick or died after contact with algae in Lake Travis.
The routine testing of lake water has detected no cyanotoxins, or at times, cyanotoxins at levels well below what the World Health Organization considers potentially harmful to humans or pets.
This summer, LCRA began testing algal material in Lake LBJ and Inks Lake as part of a joint study with the City of Austin. Biologists with the City of Austin monitor for toxic algae in Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long.
In addition to algae, other organisms such as bacteria or parasites could be present. For more information on LCRA algae testing, visit www.lcra.org/algae.