The Lower Colorado River Authority conducted lab testing Feb. 22 after receiving reports that four dogs became ill directly after swimming in the Hudson Bend region of Lake Travis. In 2019, five dogs died as the result of a toxic algae bloom in Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. At that time, the bloom was linked to hot and dry summer weather, much unlike the most recent freezing temperatures experienced following the Texas winter storm.
Following these results, LCRA collected additional samples of organic material including algae and decaying vegetation from the east side of Hudson Bend, according to LCRA public information officer Clara Tuma.
These samples are being submitted for further testing in labs in Austin and in Florida, which is also home to blue-green algae blooms. Tuma said these results should be available by March 1.
Still, LCRA has urged pet owners to refrain from allowing their animals into the Hudson Bend region of the lake.
