(Quemado, NM, May 20, 2026) – The Gila National Forest has reopened recreational facilities at Quemado Lake for the summer, including the Piñon and Juniper Campgrounds and all day-use areas. The well is back up and running, once again providing safe drinking water for the recreational facilities.
Last year, New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Surface Water Quality Board issued a health advisory for the presence of a "harmful algal bloom" (HAB) in Quemado Lake. Currently, the state is reporting that they continue to detect microcystins in water samples from Quemado Lake, indicating a potential for acute poisoning and short- or long-term health effects to humans or animals. To protect the public, the NMED has issued a warning advisory and recommended that for their safety, visitors should take the following precautions:
Do not drink untreated surface water.
Do not swim, wade, paddleboard, or water ski.
Do not bring dogs or other animals to the lake or hiking areas along the shoreline.
Avoid areas of algae when boating.
Stay away from algae deposited along the shoreline.
Rinse fish with clean water prior to cooking thoroughly, and eat only the fillet portion.
Supervise children and prevent them from entering the lake or playing near algae deposited on the shoreline.
NMED continues to sample water quality and will provide updated guidance as conditions change. Harmful algal blooms occur most often during the summer when sunlight warms stagnant water with high nutrient levels, creating a hospitable environment for them. Learn more about HABs at New Mexico Harmful Algae Blooms.
