09/10/2026
Attention Rio Blanco County residents - please be aware of the algae bloom at Kenney Reservoir. People and animals exposed and/or ingesting the water can be a risk. Please reach out to local health officials and/or your veterinarian if you are concerned with your or your animals exposure risk, or notice symptoms.
CDC info for animals:https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/media/pdfs/algal_bloom_tall_card.pdf
CDC info for humans:https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/media/pdfs/Algal-Bloom-Brief-508.pdf
"Avoid contact with scummy areas..." reads Emergency Manager Rich Garner's advisory briefing. Good life advice, in all regards!
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NEWS RELEASE: Rio Blanco County Public Health Advises Caution at Kenney Reservoir: "When in Doubt, Stay Out"
RANGELY, Colo. — Rio Blanco County Public Health is advising residents and visitors to use caution at Kenney Reservoir due to concerns about a possible harmful algae bloom.
As late-summer temperatures warm lakes and reservoirs, conditions can become favorable for harmful algae blooms. These blooms occur naturally and can develop quickly in warm, slow-moving or stagnant water. Some algae can produce toxins that make people sick and can be fatal to pets.
Toxic algae can look like spilled paint or pea soup on the surface of the water and may appear green, blue-green, gold or red. Because it is not possible to determine whether algae is toxic simply by looking at it, people should avoid areas of Kenney Reservoir where algae, surface scum or unusual discoloration is visible.
People exposed to toxic algae may experience skin irritation and rashes. Toxins may also cause nausea, muscle and joint pain, fever, headache or sore throat.
If you believe you have come in contact with toxic algae:
*Shower or rinse with fresh water immediately.
*Contact a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms.
Pets are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to drink affected water. Keep pets away from water where algae is visible. If you suspect a pet has been exposed:
*Get the pet out of the water immediately and keep the pet from licking its fur or paws.
*Thoroughly rinse the pet's fur, skin and paws with clean, fresh water as soon as possible.
*Watch for symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or stumbling.
*Contact a veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms or if you suspect it swallowed affected water or algae.
Rio Blanco County Public Health is coordinating with the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District, which manages Kenney Reservoir, regarding conditions at the reservoir.
The presence of an algae bloom does not necessarily mean toxins are present. Testing is the only way to determine whether algae is toxic. When in doubt, stay out.
Additional information about harmful algae and recently reported blooms is available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Toxic Algae Dashboard at https://coepht.colorado.gov/toxic-algae.
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Photo: Kenney Reservoir, September 6, courtesy Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District
