Experts Test For Deadly Algae At New Mexico’s Largest Reservoir

If you see a blueish green algae floating in the water at Elephant Butte, stay away from it and don't let your pets near it either.

State officials are testing algae blooms at Elephant Butte, a couple of hours north of El Paso, for type of algae that can make humans sick and potentially kill pets.

On top of Elephant Buttes water levels being way down, (but slightly on the rise last summer), now this. Mother Nature is not being very nice to the Butte ...

Officials say that harmful algal blooms, (HAB), grow naturally in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams so this is a natural occurrence, unrelated to pollution or other man made issues.

HAB can cause skin irritation and stomach problems in humans and for dogs, it can be deadly. According to the New Mexico Environment Department, there have been several dog deaths caused by HAB.

State park officials are beginning to test algae blooms at the lake to see if they are dangerous. - krqe

Peeps are advised to avoid any area in which they spot a bluish-green algae.

Elephant Butte Elephant Butte was created back in 1916 when the Rio Grande was dammed up about 130 miles north of El Paso, near Truth Or Consequences. It's the 84th largest man-made lake in the United States of America, coming in at 40 miles in length and offering visitors over 200 miles of shoreline.

Elephant Butte is currently getting a massive makeover and lots of improvements will soon be unveiled including electric vehicle charging stations.