SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah officials say the warmer water and lower lake levels this year are prime conditions for toxic algae blooms to return.
KSL-TV reports state and local agencies coordinated a response Thursday should the harmful blooms invade Utah lakes this summer.
Officials say the agencies are better prepared this year after blooms shut down recreation on Utah Lake and several other bodies of water in the past two years.
Utah Division of Water Quality officials say testing has become faster, more accurate and more widespread.
Officials say they also have better knowledge and more resources to attack the problem this year.
Utah Poison Control Center Executive Director Barbara Crouch says that should the blooms return, protecting public health is the first goal followed by protecting use, environment and water.
