AUSTIN, Texas — A dog has died within an hour of swimming at “Barking Springs” on July 10, 2022. Barking Springs is part of Barton Creek immediately downstream of Barton Springs Pool. According to the City of Austin, the cause of death is not yet known, but could be due to exposure to toxic algae in the water.

Samples of several mats of algae near the rocks have been collected for testing by city scientists. The City of Austin continues to remind people that the waters in Central Texas may contain harmful algae at any time, especially amid the hot and dry weather conditions. This algae grows near the shoreline and in warm water.

Earlier this summer, the City of Austin conducted tests on water samples from Lady Bird Lake and at Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin and found toxins in the algae samples. According to the city, if toxins are only detected in the algae samples as opposed to water samples, exposure can only incur when ingesting or handling the algae.

The risk for dogs being exposed to the toxic algae is higher as they can drink the water, eat the algae or lick it off their fur. Although humans may experience symptoms from these toxins, the risk is lower because they are less likely to ingest the algae.

To protect yourself and your furry friends from the toxic algae, do not drink or ingest water directly from Central Texas lakes or creeks. Don’t get into the water if it is warm or stagnant or you can see the algae. If you or your pet experience sudden illness after swimming, contact your doctor and veterinarian right away or the Texas Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.