Last week the Town of Prescott Valley received information that the water at the Urban Forest/Yavapai Lakes could be positive for cyanobacteria in the form of Microcystis cells. Microcystis is known to be toxic to humans and animals.
Out of an abundance of caution, Parks & Recreation decided to close access to the park and lakes, providing time to sample and test the water. A sample was collected on Wednesday, July 26, and sent to a third-party lab for further testing. Test results have come back positive for cyanobacteria, however, the present and dominant strain of cyanobacteria is Coelosphaerium, not Microcystis. Coelosphaerium is a blue green alga and is not listed as being a toxin producer. Furthermore, the typical State action levels are triggered when there are cyanobacteria in a concentration of 20,000 cells per ML of water. The Urban Forest/Yavapai Lakes’ current concentration is just under 10,000 cells per ML.
With the results coming back negative for Microcystis cells, the water in the Urban Forest/Yavapai Lakes is deemed safe for recreational fishing. Staff has been working on cleanup from further storm and flood events, and has lifted the closure and re-opened access and fishing at the Lakes as of Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
Parks & Recreation reminds the public that the water in the Urban Forest/Yavapai Lakes is for recreational fishing only, please never consume the water or swim at these lakes.
For more information, please call Parks & Recreation at 928-759-3090.
