Invading algae bloom on Lake LBJ a nuisance to swimmers and boaters

HORSESHOE BAY — A gooey interloper made worse by the drought is choking parts of Lake LBJ, impairing watercraft and leaving swimmers itchy.

To the ordinary eye, this green and slimy invader looks like some leftover from a horror movie. In reality, it’s just algae.

But its presence still raises plenty of concerns.

PHOTO 1: Maintenance crew worker Gabriel Rodriguez scoops up a handful of algae, collecting in a cove on Bay Point Drive in Horseshoe Bay. Lower Colorado River Authority officials say the only way to combat the aquatic plant is to haul it out or apply copper-based herbacides. Staff photos by Connie Swinney

PHOTO 2: Algae blooms, collecting in coves and migrating into the body of Lake LBJ, are choking out watercraft and causing an itchy situation for swimmers. Water quality experts say the drought is only making it worse.