Blue-green algae has returned to Austin lakes

State of play: Avoid stagnant, warm or murky water and don't enter the water if there has been rain the previous three days.

• As obvious as this is, don't drink water directly from natural water bodies.
• Rinse animal fur thoroughly if pets make contact with water.

The intrigue: For the past five years, the city has applied lanthanum-modified clay to manage sediment phosphorus in an effort to reduce the growth of algae as part of a $1.5 million pilot program.

• This year is a control year with no application so city officials can evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program.

What's next: As the weather heats up, conditions for algae will become more favorable — expect to see more in Austin-area waterways.