Is Harris Brake safe to swim?

As of July 20, 2026, Harris Brake in Perry County, Arkansas is not recommended for swimming. Satellite imagery measured 127,815 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Rainfall over the past week totaled 0.4 in, which can wash bacteria and nutrients into the water.

How this read is built

Harris Brake is a lake in Perry County, Arkansas. Satellite imagery measured 127,815 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold.

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are most common from midsummer into early fall, when the water is warm, calm, and rich in nutrients from runoff. They can produce toxins that make people sick and can be rapidly fatal to dogs, so skip water that looks green, scummy, or like spilled paint, and keep children and pets out of it.

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Harris Brake has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 3 of them, most recently in July 2024. Its highest recorded reading was 238,574 cells/mL in September 2022.

Is it safe to swim in Harris Brake right now?

Harris Brake is not recommended for swimming today. Satellite imagery measured 127,815 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Conditions can change quickly with wind, heat, and rain, so check the posted signs and look at the water before you get in.

Does Harris Brake have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Yes. Satellite monitoring measured 127,815 cells/mL of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Harris Brake on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory level. Avoid swimming and keep children and pets out of the water.

Can dogs swim in Harris Brake?

No. Blue-green algae at Harris Brake is above the safe-contact threshold (127,815 cells/mL on July 19, 2026). Cyanobacteria toxins can be rapidly fatal to dogs, which swallow it while swimming and lick it from their fur. Keep dogs out of the water and away from any scum along the shore.

How often does Harris Brake have blue-green algae blooms?

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Harris Brake has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 3 of them, most recently in July 2024. Its highest recorded reading was 238,574 cells/mL in September 2022.

How many Arkansas lakes and beaches are unsafe for swimming today?

Today, 20 Arkansas waters are above a safe-contact threshold and 3 more warrant caution, out of 72 monitored waters SwimZone tracks in the state.

How is Harris Brake's water quality measured?

SwimZone builds this read from EPA CyAN satellite imagery for blue-green algae, official beach and fecal-bacteria advisories where a program monitors Harris Brake, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 20, 2026.