No toxins were detected in Lake Travis during June. Lake levels have now dropped too low for LCRA to retrieve the SPATT test bag left at Arkansas Bend Park, so there are no results for July. John Anderson’s testing continues to indicate that overall water quality is good around our high water boat ramp. No water samples have been taken at the emerging low-water boat ramp, however, or around the peninsula which is currently suffering from an abundant growth growth of hydrilla.

 

Hydrilla or “water thyme” (Hydrilla verticillata) is an aquatic weed from Asia with stems that can grow up to 25 feet in length. It is one of the most difficult aquatic invasive plants to control and can have severe consequences for aquatic ecosystems. Our LCRA biologist says hydrilla on its own is not dangerous in terms of toxins, although some studies have linked it to blue-green algae.

 

The safest places for dogs to swim is where the water gets deep quickly, rather than having to wade through the algae and hydrilla in shallower water. LCRA still advises caution and rinsing off with clean water after a swim for both people and pets.

 

Hydrilla growing in Travis Landing

 

Here is the latest summary of Travis Landing results collected by John Anderson for the Colorado River Watch Network. To see historic data going back to May 2021, click on LCRA Site List and the entry for Site 463 (Travis Landing), located in segment 1404.