Officials Find More Deadly Algae In Austin Waterways

AUSTIN, TX — Additional testing by parks officials has revealed growing levels of neurotoxins in algae — the aquatic plant that has killed at least four dogs at area waterways — at more locations throughout the city.

City officials said samples were taken on Monday, Aug. 12 at Auditorium Shores, at Red Bud Isle and at Barton Creek. Samples at Barton Creek were taken just below the pedestrian bridge over Barton Creek on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. All the samples contained greater amounts of neurotoxins than found the previous week, officials added.

Given the presence of toxic algae, Red Bud Isle remains closed. The neurotoxins released by the algae are potentially lethal to animals, less so for humans unless a substantial amount is inadvertently ingested, city officials have previously explained. "The public should not allow their dogs to swim anywhere in Lady Bird Lake," city officials said in a press advisory. "In addition, they should keep their dogs out of Barton Creek where algae is present."

Moreover, officials added, dogs should not be allowed to drink the water in these locations. "People should avoid handling the algae and minimize their exposure to the water," city officials wrote. "Boating and paddle-boarding is still allowed at your own risk. Pets and people who come into contact with the water should rinse off. If symptoms develop, they should seek immediate medical attention."

As it relates to “Barking Springs,” at the spillway of Barton Springs Pool upstream of the affected area, city officials advised: "Water at Barking Springs is cold and flows from Barton Springs and Barton Creek. At this time, we believe people and pets can continue to swim in this area at their own risk. They should avoid going downstream to areas with floating algae."

Still, people should be aware that bacteria is always a concern in smaller waterways where there is a high concentration of dogs, city officials noted.

"Previously, algae in Barton Creek downstream of Barton Springs appeared to be a mix of harmless green algae," city officials said in a press advisory. "However, the most recent samples showed a low presence of blue green algae in the Barton Creek area of Lady Bird Lake. These samples did test positive for neurotoxins. This is a reminder that the situation is evolving and can change rapidly."

More testing at is scheduled on Friday by Watershed Protection officials, according to the press advisory. The algae will naturally die off at the onset of cooler weather in the fall, city officials added. Until then, parks officials will make efforts to remove the live algae, according to the municipal update.

"At this time, the City of Austin has not identified a safe and effective way to treat or remove the algae, and it is likely that Red Bud Isle will remain closed for the next several weeks," officials wrote.

On Aug. 4, city officials warned residents not to allow their pets to swim in or drink from Lady Bird Lake after being told that a dog had died from possible exposure to harmful algae. Since then, the city has been told at least three other dogs have died after swimming in the lake.

On Monday, Aug. 5, the city confirmed the presence of algae that could produce a neurotoxin, according to the municipal update.

Officials stressed the city's drinking water remains unaffected by this situation. "Austin Water regularly looks at algae levels on Lake Austin and Lake Travis and has not seen levels of concern for drinking water," officials wrote. "Austin Water does not currently use Lady Bird Lake as a source for drinking water."

Dogs ingesting water contaminated with this toxin could have a number of symptoms. On the severe end of the spectrum, it could result in respiratory paralysis and death. City officials advise pet owners to look for these signs in your pet within minutes to hours of exposure:

• Excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
• Foaming at the mouth
• Jaundice, hepatomegaly
• Blood in urine or dark urine
• Stumbling
• Loss of appetite
• Photosensitization in recovering animals
• Abdominal tenderness
• Progression of muscle twitches
• Respiratory paralysis

The amount of toxins the dog ingests and licking of the fur are factors.

In people, possible health effects include:

• Dermatologic signs or symptoms such as rash, irritation, swelling, or sores
• Gastrointestinal signs or symptoms
• Respiratory signs or symptoms
• Fever
• Headache
• Neurologic signs or symptoms
• Ear symptoms
• Eye irritation

Residents with further questions or concerns, can call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000.