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Algae and toxins found in the Jordan River; Utah authorities say people and pets should stay out of the water

People should stay out of the Jordan River and keep their dogs from swimming in or drinking the water, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality is warning, because of an outbreak of the algae-related toxin cyanobacteria.

The DEQ announced Tuesday that low levels of anatoxin-a, a toxin produced by growth of blue-green algae, have been detected at three recreation areas along the Jordan River and its tributaries:

• And the east canal of Wheeler Farm in Murray, which lies along Little Cottonwood Creek, which feeds into the Jordan.

The Salt Lake County Health Department is warning residents not to swim in the river.