Waterways treated to prevent toxic algae

Today and tomorrow (Aug. 15-16), the Watershed Protection Department will be treating Lady Bird Lake east of Interstate 35 and Red Bud Isle with phoslock. That’s a clay material that binds to phosphorus, a key food source for the toxic algae that has recently plagued our lakes. During the treatment, there will be a barge spraying a gray slurry into the lake that will temporarily cloud the water. Don’t worry though, the substance is safe for humans, the environment and the surrounding wildlife. Boaters should, however, keep a safe distance from the barge while it completes its work.