Is The Chute safe to swim?

As of July 20, 2026, The Chute in Arkansas is not recommended for swimming. Satellite imagery measured 763,384 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Rainfall over the past week totaled 0.2 in, which can wash bacteria and nutrients into the water.

How this read is built

The Chute is a lake in Arkansas covering about 0.9 sq mi, the 40th-largest of the 69 lakes SwimZone monitors in Arkansas. Satellite imagery measured 763,384 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, The Chute has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 4 of them, most recently in June 2026. Its highest recorded reading was 1,787,899 cells/mL in September 2022.

Is it safe to swim in The Chute right now?

The Chute is not recommended for swimming today. Satellite imagery measured 763,384 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 The Chute have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Yes. Satellite monitoring measured 763,384 cells/mL of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at The Chute 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 The Chute?

No. Blue-green algae at The Chute is above the safe-contact threshold (763,384 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 The Chute have blue-green algae blooms?

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, The Chute has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 4 of them, most recently in June 2026. Its highest recorded reading was 1,787,899 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 The Chute'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 The Chute, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 20, 2026.