blue-green algae
Coverage of blue-green algae in the Nexus archive.
- Low water levels force early boat ramp closure at Barr Lake State Park
Low water levels caused by drought conditions are forcing an early closure of motorized boat ramps at Barr Lake State Park, with the ramps closing Friday at 9 p.m. Park rangers cited the risk of trailers getting stuck in mud as water levels near the sandy bottom. Hand-launched vessels like kayaks and paddleboards remain permitted, and fishing activity remains strong despite the low water.
- How Colorado's drought is impacting water quality in Denver
Colorado's drought is causing higher water temperatures and reduced water levels in Denver, leading to elevated E. coli and blue-green algae levels. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) warns of public health risks, including harmful algae blooms and contaminated water activities, and is implementing increased testing and real-time monitoring systems.
- Has the water in Denver’s Sloan’s Lake killed fish?
Sloan’s Lake in Denver has experienced toxic blue-green algae blooms that killed thousands of fish, including a 2024 die-off of at least 2,000 fish. The lake’s shallow depth and rising temperatures due to climate change contribute to algae overgrowth, which harms fish by depleting oxygen or releasing toxins. Colorado Parks and Wildlife restocked the lake with 9,500 rainbow trout after the 2024 incident.