Utah budget uncertainty pauses algal bloom testing at lake

Utah budget uncertainty pauses algal bloom testing at lake

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Utah health and water quality officials will temporarily stop monitoring a lake for toxic algal blooms as a result of state funding uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Daily Herald reports the state Division of Water Quality and Utah County Health Department will postpone the testing for Harmful Algal Blooms at Utah Lake until at least July 1. In lieu of monitoring, officials encourage visitors to the lake along Provo and neighboring towns to pay attention to signs warning of toxic algae. Officials say human illness related to the blooms is rare but can be debilitating or fatal.