Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs closed indefinitely for suspected blue-green algae
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Less than a year after Prospect Lake was closed for weeks because of blue-green algae, the city of Colorado Springs announced Monday that the lake is now closed again due to the presumptive return of the algae.
On a day that KRDO crews spotted dozens of people in the water, the city said the closure comes after a staffer made a "visual inspection" at the lake.
A water sample will be taken on Tuesday to be tested for the confirmation of mycrocystin toxin from cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, according to the city. The toxin is harmful to people and animals.
During the closure, pets aren't allowed in the water because they could die if they ingest the algae.
"It'll concentrate on their fur and they'll lick it off, and that's when it becomes toxic to them," explained Erik Rodriguez, a Colorado Springs Parks and Rec environmental specialist.
The following activities are also prohibited: swimming, bathing, paddle boarding, tubing, water skiing and non-motorized boating of any kind.
"We don't want people drinking it or entering the body of water," Rodriguez explained.
If you've got a motorized boat, however, you're encouraged to use it because it can help aerate the water, according to the city.
Fishing areas will stay open.
The city says it's treating the lake with an eco friendly enzyme to help get rid of the algae. Officials said they'll continue to monitor the algae levels, and reopen the lake once they test low for two consecutive weeks.
