City of Austin

Austin, TX —The City of Austin reminds residents to take precautions around local waterways because of the presence of blue-green algae mats, some of which may be toxic. Austin Watershed Protection employees have observed algae in Austin’s lakes and creeks this winter. The mats usually look like dark blobs floating on the surface and can be mixed in with other types of algae. As spring approaches, conditions will become more favorable, and we expect to see more algae in our waterways. People should continue to be cautious and avoid contact.

Assess Before You Enter

Before you or your pet gets in the water carefully assess the area:

• Look for algae along the shoreline.

• Watch for stagnant, warm, or murky water.

• Do not enter the water if you see scum, surface film, or visible algae.

• Do not enter the water if there has been rain in the past three days.

If any of these conditions are present, stay out of the water. They could indicate poor water quality.

After Entering the Water

• Do not drink water directly from natural water bodies.

• Avoid contact with algae.

• Rinse skin or animal fur thoroughly after contact with water.

• Do not allow dogs to lick their fur before rinsing.

If you or your pet experiences sudden, unexplained illness after swimming, contact your medical provider or veterinarian immediately. Residents are encouraged to report suspected human or animal illnesses related to algae using the City’s online reporting form.

There is always some level of risk when spending time on Austin’s waterways. Natural water bodies can contain algae, bacteria, parasites, and other hazards. Austin Watershed Protection monitors the water quality in our lakes and creeks in order to understand how the urban environment affects our water bodies and to develop effective policies to protect them. We do not regularly test water in our creeks and lakes for recreational use.