City vs. algae

The Watershed Protection Department is expanding a chemical treatment in Lady Bird Lake that has been shown to slow the growth of harmful algae in the water. Last year, the department applied Phoslock over 22 acres of the lake near Red Bud Isle, with encouraging results. This year the treatment will include the north shore of Lady Bird Lake from Interstate 35 to the lagoon by the Festival Beach boat ramp. The rising temperatures and ongoing drought in Central Texas create conditions that are ripe for the growth of harmful blue-green algae, which produces toxins that can sicken both people and pets. The Phoslock treatment will be applied next Monday or Tuesday initially, with a second treatment planned later in the summer. Watershed regularly collects and tests algae samples; find current status of lake samples here.