DOH cautions about blue-green algae in area lakes

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in four area lakes. They were discovered Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Lake Apopka, near the Oakland Nature Preserve; near the south dock of Lake Roberts; on the western shore of Lake Butler; and at Lake Hancock, by the John Hancock Drive boat ramp.

Water sample testing is underway.

Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed, the DOH reports.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.

• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, with discolored water or water that smells unpleasant.

• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals.

• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.

• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish thoroughly.

• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations. After samples are analyzed at their laboratory, the toxin results can be viewed on Protecting Florida Together or on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors.

Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the surface of the water in various colors.

Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients, according to DOH.