Current story: Blue-green algae found in Lake Ola

From staff reports and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is warning the public about the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Ola – NE Dock on August 22, 2024. Water samples are currently being tested. Blue-green algae can produce toxins. Because environmental conditions can change at any time, caution is advised even though the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.

Lake Ola is a 1,000-acre (426-hectare) body of water located in the northwestern part of Orange County near Tangerine, about eight miles (13 kilometers) from downtown Apopka.

Residents and visitors are asked to take the following precautions:

• We advise against drinking, swimming, wading, using watercraft, or coming into contact with waters where a visible algal bloom is present.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae or discolored or unpleasant-smelling water.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Water bodies where algal blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative water source during algal blooms.
• Do not cook or flush with water contaminated by algal blooms. Boiling the water will not remove the toxins.
• It is safe to eat fillets of healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes where a flake bloom has occurred. Rinse the fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the entrails, and cook the fish thoroughly.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algal blooms.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and its partners collect algal samples from reported algal bloom sites. After the samples are analyzed in their laboratory, toxin analysis results can be viewed on Protecting Florida Together or the DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.

What are blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that is widespread in Florida’s freshwaters. An algal bloom occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to a buildup of individual cells that discolor the water and often form floating mats that give off unpleasant odors.

Blue-green algal blooms can also appear as foam, scum, or paint of various colors on the water surface. For more information on the occurrence of algal blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together.

Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms include sunny days, warm water temperatures, stagnant water, and excess nutrients. Blooms can occur year-round, but are more common in the summer and fall. Many species of blue-green algae can produce toxins. Blue-green algae may not always be visible as a bloom, but can still be present in the water.

Are blue-green algae harmful?

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets, as well as to ecosystems such as fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g. children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems) may be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid all exposure.

For more information about the potential health effects of algal blooms, visit the Florida Department of Health’s Harmful Algal Blooms webpage.

Where can I find current information on water status?

For up-to-date information on water quality in Florida, as well as public health advisories on harmful algal blooms and beach conditions, visit Protecting Florida Together. You can sign up for alerts when water quality changes in your area.

Where can I report problems related to algal blooms?

• Algal blooms: DEP monitors algal blooms and collects samples for analysis. Blooms can be reported to DEP online or by calling toll-free 1-855-305-3903.
• Human health: Report symptoms of exposure to harmful algal blooms or other aquatic toxins to the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222 to speak with a poison specialist.
• Animal health: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or coming into contact with water contaminated with blue-green algae.
• Fish deaths: Dead, sick or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or at 800-636-0511.

If you have any further health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Orange at 407-723-5004.

For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.