Timnath warns residents of algae blooms in Timnath Reservoir

As summer heats up, Timnath is warning its residents to stay away from blue-green algae in the town's reservoir.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, naturally occurs following hot, calm weather but can last into fall. The blooms typically appear along shorelines and in bays or other areas shielded from wind and waves and can turn water turquoise, bright green, pea green, brown or "other unusual shades," according to the town. 

Blue-green algae can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, eye and skin irritation and rashes, according to Timnath's advisory. The town offered the following safety tips: 

• Avoid contact with blue-green algae blooms
• Don't swim or wade in water where the algae is visible
• Don't drink or cook with Timnath Reservoir's water
• Clean fish caught in the reservoir well and discard their guts
• Avoid eating fish that look unhealthy
• Wash with clean water if you do come in contact with a bloom
• Call a doctor or veterinarian right away if you or your animals experience sudden or unexplained sickness after being in the reservoir

Timnath's reservoir isn't the only Northern Colorado body of water to be plagued by algae (and its subsequent smelly decomposition).

City of Fort Collins Natural Areas issued an apology last week for the stench emanating from decomposing algae in Duck Lake, a small, natural lake across from the South Fort Collins Sanitation District facility on Carpenter Road. The city reactivated a floating pump in Duck Lake in late June in hopes of raising the lake's oxygen levels and lessening the smell. 

Last summer, Wellington's water supply at North Poudre Reservoir No. 3 was taken over by blue-green algae, giving the water an offputting taste (and smell) some residents equated to dirt or pond scum. 

Loveland's Green Ridge Glade Reservoir experienced a similar algae issue the prior year. 

Coloradoan reporters Erin Udell and Jacy Marmaduke contributed to this report. 

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