The pond at Homestead Ranch Regional Park tested above the recommended safety threshold for Microcystins, which is associated with a bloom of blue-green algae according to results for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in Denver. El Paso County Parks staff will be posting signs on Saturday to avoid contact with the water.
The safety concern is mainly for dogs and horses that might jump in the pond or drink the water.
Homestead Ranch Regional Park already has a no boating and no swimming policy for the pond.
CDPHE recommendations:
- Fishing is still permitted, but clean fish well and discard guts appropriately.
- If people or pets contact the water, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
- Contact Poison Control Center (or veterinarian) if you (or your pets) experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, irritated eyes, seizures, breathing problems or other unexplained illness if you had contact with the water.
- For further information:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/about-algae-blooms
Park staff sampled water from Willow Springs Ponds, Duckwood Pond in Fountain Creek Regional Park, the pond in Fox Run Regional Park, Drake Lake. All were clear. Park staff are still waiting for test results for Bear Creek in Bear Creek Regional Park, but remain optimistic as the CDPHE states the blue-green algae grows in slow moving bodies of water such as lakes..
Homestead Ranch Regional Park is located north of Peyton on Gollihar Road.
https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/homestead-ranch-regional-park/
