Is Reservoir 51 safe to swim?

As of July 20, 2026, Reservoir 51 in Banks County, Georgia is not recommended for swimming. Satellite imagery measured 1,308,648 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Rainfall over the past week totaled 1.1 in, which can wash bacteria and nutrients into the water.

How this read is built

Reservoir 51 is a reservoir in Banks County, Georgia. Satellite imagery measured 1,308,648 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, Reservoir 51 has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 6 of them, most recently in July 2026. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 1,272,047 cells/mL in September 2022.

Is it safe to swim in Reservoir 51 right now?

Reservoir 51 is not recommended for swimming today. Satellite imagery measured 1,308,648 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 Reservoir 51 have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Yes. Satellite monitoring measured 1,308,648 cells/mL of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Reservoir 51 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 Reservoir 51?

No. Blue-green algae at Reservoir 51 is above the safe-contact threshold (1,308,648 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 Reservoir 51 have blue-green algae blooms?

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Reservoir 51 has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 6 of them, most recently in July 2026. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 1,272,047 cells/mL in September 2022.

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

Today, 2 Georgia waters are above a safe-contact threshold and 11 more warrant caution, out of 63 monitored waters SwimZone tracks in the state.

How is Reservoir 51'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 Reservoir 51, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 20, 2026.