EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado and Snow lakes in the Gila National Forest because of the formation of harmful algae blooms.

Harmful algae blooms, or HABs, occur when certain types of algae grow excessively in water, posing potential health risks to people and animals. HABs can appear blue, bright green, brown or red and may resemble scum or floating grass clippings on the water’s surface, NMED said.

These blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals, NMED said.

NMED is urging visitors to take the following precautions: • Do not drink untreated surface water. • Do not swim in algae blooms. • Rinse fish with clean water prior to cooking thoroughly and eat only the fillet portion. • Ke

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