In a warning, swimmers were told to be careful regarding plumes of algae in Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, which could be harmful for them.

Officials with the National Park Service said that mats of blue-green algae have been observed on the surface of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. A sample collected from the region consisted of low levels of a toxin called microcystin, which can lead to skin irritations, rashes and gastrointestinal illness.

The agency said that people should avoid swimming and playing in the lakes. They are also advised not to drink water, which consists of the algae. It has been advised that residual algae, which wash ashore, should also not be touched. People should also not allow their pets to play or drink water, which has the organisms.

Anyone coming in contact with the algae was advised to properly rinse the area with clean water. According to officials, most of the lakes in the region are free from algae so people can go there and enjoy. They also said the water supply for Southern Nevada will not be affected by the algae. This is because water has been treated properly in order to destroy the toxin.

According to officials, if the residents of Austin observe that the water they are supplied has unusual taste or odor, they don’t need to worry as this is because of a naturally occurring algae bloom in Lake Austin. The water could be utilized for drinking purpose, but the algae make taste of the water musty or fishy.

Activated carbon is being added in water, supplied in Austin, to treat it for solving the problem up to some extent. And addition of those carbon dosages was also increased on Friday.