In Austin, scientists have detected blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, at Lady Bird Lake near Red Bud Isle earlier than usual this year, indicating the impact of warmer temperatures and drought. With its potential toxicity to animals and humans, especially toward pets that swim in affected waters, the presence of cyanobacteria has raised concerns. Historically, significant blooms occur later in the year, yet conditions this spring have accelerated its growth, prompting city officials to warn the public to be cautious around local waterways, as the risks may be consistently present.
"It seems to correspond with low [water] flows [and] the warmer water temperatures," Brent Bellinger, conservation program supervisor with the Watershed Protection Department, said.
The city had maintained an online "dashboard," now shut down, alerting the public about where the algae had been recently detected.
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