CAVE CREEK, Ariz. — The Tonto National Forest has reported an algae bloom in Bartlett Lake that can potentially make you sick.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality experts said a bloom of blue-green algae can produce toxins (poisons), which can cause serious illness in people and animals, and in rare cases, can be deadly.
Harmful algae can:
- Look like pea soup or spilled green paint
- Discolor or leave streaks in the water
- Be surface scum, mats of films
- Appear as green dots or globs floating below the surface
Officials urge the public to stay away from algae and scum in the water, keep children and pets away and under no circumstances drink the water or use it for cooking.
Boating and fishing are acceptable in blue-green algae blooms, but people should take care to avoid contact or ingestion of the water.
Bartlett Lake is located approximately 17 miles northeast of Carefree.
For more information, visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.