The cyanobacteria was discovered last week along Lady Bird Lake, according to Austin’s Watershed Protection Department.
AUSTIN, Texas — Potentially toxic algae has been discovered at a park along Austin’s Lady Bird Lake just south of the Tom Miller Dam.
The city’s Watershed Protection Department recently posted an update about the algae, which was found at Red Bud Isle. According to the post, the algae might not be limited to this particular area.
The department said that if you (or your pets) see this algae, it’s important not to touch it. Consuming lake water should also be avoided, and it’s recommended to wash off after touching the water.
Dogs should also not lick their fur until after they have been washed.
The history of blue-green algae in Austin
This isn’t the first time possibly dangerous algae has been found in Austin’s waterways.
Since 2019, a blue-green algae called cyanobacteria has been detected each year in Lady Bird Lake, particularly during summers.
Most recently, the toxic algae was found in July 2024 in Red Bud Isle and Auditorium Shores, forcing the city to begin spraying clay on areas of the Lake. That same month, a dog died after swimming in Lake Travis, prompting more concerns about toxic algae.
In 2023, the algae was detected again at Red Bud Isle, as well as at Jessica Hollis Park along Lake Austin.
Amid the continued algae growth, Austin implemented a five-year pilot program to limit the bacteria from spreading. Heading into its fifth year, the program helps dump clay into the water as a way to cut off the cyanobacteria’s food source.
However, just because there’s growth on Lady Bird Lake doesn’t always mean it’s a bad thing. Some of the clumps on the water are healthy plants that were able to grow because the clay treatments block the harmful bacteria.