Water advisory for Lady Bird Lake

Update : 2019-08-14 See the City of Austin page on the expanded area affected by the cyanobacteria and their neurotoxins.

As the summer air temperature continues to heat up, so does the surface water temperature.

The increased water temperature, coupled with decreased water through-flow, and consequent nutrient build-up, result in algal blooms. Normally, these are harmless … unsightly and a bit smelly.

At the moment, Lady Bird Lake seems to be having a problem with cyanobacteria (so-called “blue-green algae”). Two genera, in particular, Anabaena and Microcystis, produce neurotoxic compounds, at times.

Anabaena flos-aquae, aquatic cyanobacterium
Anabaena flos-aquae, an aquatic cyanobacterium, is capable of producing powerful neurotoxins. Photo credit to US EPA 2007.

While we await the results of testing by the City of Austin, an advisory has been issued for dogs (dogs are permitted to swim in these waters; humans are not).

With the exception of Barton Creek, nearer to the pool than to the river, you might re-consider going into the water or splashing river water onto your face (keep it out of your eyes and out of your mouth). Individuals with known sensitivity to these compounds should be especially aware.

Microcystis aeruginosa, aquatic cyanobacterium
Microcystis aeruginosa, an aquatic cyanobacterium, is capable of producing powerful neurotoxins. Photo credit to Kristian Peters.

See? Those hundred of hours of environmental engineering coursework back in graduate school might have learnt me a thing or two. 😉

2 thoughts on “Water advisory for Lady Bird Lake”

  1. Hi Mike thanks for the great advice!

    Stu and I went out this morning in a few small boats around 8 am – we thought it was all right.

    I have never seen the lake so empty (except when it’s dark out)! Over the course of the 70 mins on water, we encountered no more than 30 folks on the water… a few rowing shells, a half-full dragon boat, a handful of kayakers and a few guys fishing, and one…only one, SUPer. It was nice to have so much peace and quiet on the lake but it strangely lonely for weekend morning.

    I’d go again but ensure it’s early in the morning before the algae rises to the surface to photosynthesize.

    I know you get regular updates from the city – it would be great to post them here!

    thanks,
    Tracy

    1. I just added a link to the City of Austin’s update of 2019-08-14.

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