Big Soda Lake in Lakewood is closed to swimmers for the foreseeable future due to harmful levels of blue-green algae.
The city of Lakewood, in a Monday afternoon news release, said staff will continue to monitor conditions, but it’s unknown when the popular swimming area will reopen.
“Excessive growth of the algae can occur during summer months, and certain varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are linked to illness in humans and animals,” the city said in the news release.
Personal paddle devices and paddleboat, canoe and kayak rentals will still be allowed, but paddlers must have limited contact with the water and rinse their boards immediately following, the city said.
Dog and other animals should not touch the water.
The rest of Bear Creek Lake Park remains open.
