Algae in expansion of Riverwalk

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Greenish algae showed up in the new $72 million north expansion of San Antonio's tourist-popular Riverwalk .

The expansion, which includes barge traffic and and plans for retail areas, opened in late May.

San Antonio River Authority general manager Suzanne Scott said the algae is an "eyesore," but is no health risk and does not indicate water quality problems.

Authority officials said the water in the San Antonio River is recycled, but the algae is created when combined with direct sun, the heat and low flow.

Scott said scientists are working to control the algae by increasing the flow of the river through flood control, plus using chemicals to slow the green growth.