The toxic algal bloom continues to swim through Utah’s lakes, forcing officials to close more areas.
As a precaution, Riverton, South Jordan, West Jordan and Herriman have all shut down secondary water systems as of Monday afternoon.
“The move follows the Utah Department of Environmental Quality test results that show elevated levels of harmful algae in Jordan River, Utah Lake and related canals,” according to a press release from DEQ Monday.
The Salt Lake County health Department advises any fruits or vegetables watered with the secondary water supply should not be consumed.
Alternative waters should be used for crops, livestock and other animals, according to The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
Kennecott Land said it closed Oquirrh Lake Sunday as a precaution because of the spreading toxic algal bloom in Utah Lake.
Officials said all water fed to the lake including, Brookside Stream and water that is used to irrigate parks in the Daybreak community, has been shut off at this time.
All homes in Daybreak use culinary water, which is not impacted.
Utah Lake is a secondary water source used for Oquirrh Lake but it is unknown if Oquirrh Lake has been affected by the recent toxic algal bloom.
Authorities have taken water samples to test for contamination.
Officials don’t expect to know when the waters from Utah Lake and the Jordan River will be safe to use again since algae blooms can last for days or weeks, and toxins can last up to five days after the bloom.
For updates, visit http://deq.utah.gov/locations/U/utahlake/algal-bloom.htm.
