Sloan’s Lake Temporarily Closed Due to Blue-Green Algae

Published on July 22, 2021

Due to the potential public health risk posed by increasing blue-green algae bloom in the water, Sloan’s Lake is temporarily closed, effective immediately, until further notice. Contact with the water and all recreational activities are prohibited, including fishing, wading, and use of non-motorized and hand-launched watercraft such as canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. Park visitors should not allow their children or pets in or near the water.   

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms found naturally in all types of water. This type of algae can poison not only dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, birds, and fish, but also humans. Pets can die within hours of consuming the algae. People can get sick and experience symptoms including a headache, diarrhea, weakness, and liver damage. If you or your pets are exposed to the water and experience these symptoms contact your doctor or veterinarian.

Notification signs regarding the presence of the algae were posted earlier this month and are now being replaced with closure signs warning of the potentially poisonous algae blooms.  

The closure is temporary, and the lake will re-open when the algae bloom and cyanotoxin levels are shown to have subsided.  Denver Public Health & Environment and Denver Parks and Recreation will continue to monitor the lake and provide updated guidance through the rest of the summer.