Recent lab results have detected toxic algae in some of our local waterways. The intense heat and lack of rain make the perfect conditions for toxic algae to build up, creating floating algae mats that could contaminate the surrounding water with dangerous toxins. Contact with toxic algae can be dangerous and lead to neurological problems for people and animals. In 2019, a blue-green algae bloom sickened and killed several dogs in Austin. Symptoms in animals include staggered walking and excessive salivating. In humans, it can cause stomachache, headaches, dizziness and vomiting. While the algae mats themselves are very toxic and harmful, toxins in the water surrounding the algae mats may remain at levels low enough to avoid harm to humans and animals. Harmful algae have been found in Barton Springs Pool, but continued monitoring by Austin Water shows that the levels of toxins are, for now, too low to be considered harmful to the public at this location (see the Algae page for a list of monitoring sites). When swimming outdoors or going near waterways take the following precautions: - Do not drink water directly from lakes, creeks, or springs.
- Do not touch or get near algae.
- Do not let your pet touch or get near algae.
- Rinse yourself and your pet off immediately after contact with water from these waterways.
- Do not let your pet drink from outdoor waterways.
- Do not let your pet lick their fur after getting into the water until you have thoroughly rinsed them off.
If you become sick after swimming and suspect that you have been poisoned by toxic algae, seek help from your healthcare provider or call the Texas Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Report symptoms and suspected illness on the Algae page. For more information including efforts to contain and reduce toxic algae in our waterways please read Watershed Protection’s recent press release on toxic algae in our waterways. | 
