It is only a matter of time before the Algae blooms in the shallow lake waters at DeWeese Reservoir, north of Westcliffe, start producing toxins that burn the skin of humans and animals alike that come into contact with the contaminated water.
The Colorado Department of Environmental Public Health Tracking’s map shows that algae blooms have been seen and are now producing high amounts of toxins in the water. It is advised not to come into contact with the water for humans or pets. Every year, a person or a dog is harmed by toxins.
(For a deeper history of the algae bloom at DeWeese, see this February 2024 story)
Toxic algae blooms have become a seasonal problem at DeWeese, and it’s always just a matter of time before toxin levels reach or exceed the specified threshold. When this happens, Colorado Parks and Wildlife must close the reservoir to all water-related recreation that involves skin-to-water contact to protect human health,ā said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Mike Brown. āThe reservoir remains open to fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.ā
-Jordan Hedberg
