Algae is apparent in the White River near the Texas Beach by Rangely, and is showing signs of increased growth.
Recent oxygen saturation measurements indicate a large amount photosynthetic activity from the algae, which increase oxygen in the water during the day but sucks oxygen out of the water at night at a level that experts say could threaten fish. Below average stream flows and above average stream temperatures exacerbated by exceptional drought could also be contributing to this year’s algae bloom. The river has been flowing below the 25th percentile since the beginning of 2021 and barely above it in the months prior. Officials in both Meeker and Rangely are encouraging water conservation from residents and could likely implement water use restrictions later in the summer.
Special to the Herald Times