The city of Austin is continuing to urge residents to use caution and keep pets away from Lady Bird Lake over continuing concerns about algae that produced toxins last month.
The city says tests are being done on a new batch of algae that looks similar to algae in August. The city said, "we noted a sudden increase in the amount of algae, particularly at Red Bud Isle. Before Tuesday, the situation appeared to be improving with the amount of algae declining and test results from September 9 showing no toxins.The new batch of algae appears similar to the type that produced toxins in August. Algae is back to covering about 20 to 25 percent of the water surface at Red Bud. Although disappointing, this second wave of algae is not unexpected given the unrelenting heat, less flow through the lakes and the natural life cycle of algae. We've taken new samples and are waiting on test results. We do not believe the lake is safe for pets at this time."
The city initially tested water samples and algae from eight locations on Lady Bird Lake. Additional samples were taken at the Walsh Boat Ramp on Lake Austin and downstream of Longhorn Dam. We are currently testing water and algae at three locations on a weekly basis. We have detected toxins in algae at Red Bud Isle, Auditorium Shores and Barton Creek.
Photo: Courtesy city of Austin