Quemado Lake closes due to toxic algae
Digital Assignment Editor
The Gila National Forest has issued a public health and safety area closure of Quemado Lake due to a harmful algal bloom.
Harmful algal blooms are said to occur during the summer when sunlight warms stagnant water with high nutrient levels.
The area closure prohibits public access to the Quemado Lake parking lot, boat dock, dam area, Fishing Trail #144, Lakeshore Access Trail #1441, Juniper-Lake Access Trail #1442, and Cove-Lake Access Trail #1443 and Quemado Lake itself.
The Surface Water Quality Bureau of the New Mexico Environment Department has detected very high levels of microcystins in their water samples from the lake, which indicates a potential for acute poisoning and short- or long-term effects to humans or animals.
A danger advisory has been issued to protect the public and recommends closing the area.
The water is unsafe for drinking, swimming, wading, boating, paddling, water skiing, or fishing, and dogs should not be allowed to play in the water. NMED will continue to sample water quality and provide updated guidance as conditions develop.
