Visitors asked to stay out of water in some parts of John Martin Reservoir State Park after elevated algae levels

HASTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is warning visitors to avoid direct skin contact with the water at John Martin Reservoir State Park in its west boat ramp cove after sampling revealed high levels of blue-green algae toxin.

CPW says the elevated levels were revealed in routine sampling, but levels were shown to be above the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's recommended threshold for recreational water contact.

CPW says the west boat ramp cove measured above the recommended threshold, so officials placed signs at public access points. They are asking visitors and their pets to stay out of the water until follow-up testing can show the levels back to normal.

The east boat ramp had no detectable algae toxins after recent testing, and the water from nearby Lake Hasty was below the recommended threshold, according to officials.

According to CPW, blue-green algae are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, but some species can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. They say blue-green algae conditions can change very quickly depending on the weather, so visitors are advised to pay close attention to posted signs in the park.

The most updated information on closures and advisories at access points can be found on CPW's website.

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