Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov
407-858-1472
ORLANDO, PA – The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued a Health Warning due to the presence of green algae in Lake Speer- NW Lobe. This is in response to site visits and water samples taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on 01/11/2023. People should be careful in and around Lake Speer-NW Lobe.
Flowers can produce toxins, and what causes them to do so is not well understood. For this reason, it is important to be careful, because the conditions of the peak are dynamic and can change at any time. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) collects algae samples from the so-called blooms to test for toxins. After completion, results will be posted on FDEP Algal Bloom Dashboard, and you can also view it at Protecting Florida Together Website, where you can sign up for the latest news.
Residents and visitors are advised to follow these steps:
- You should not drink, swim, dance, use watercraft, surf or boat in the water while you are at your peak.
- Avoid getting the liquid in your eyes, nose, or mouth
- You should keep pets and livestock away from water at this location
- Eating healthy fish caught in blooming lakes is good. Wash the fish with tap or bottled water, discard the guts and cook the fish thoroughly.
- You should not eat shellfish from this place
What is blue-green algae?
Green algae is a type of bacteria found in saltwater in Florida. Swelling occurs when the rapid growth of algae leads to the accumulation of cells that remove water and often form floating mats that produce unpleasant odors. Some of the environmental factors that cause blue algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, water conditions and nutrient additions. Flowers can be seen all year round but are most common in summer and autumn. Many types of green algae can produce toxins.
Is it harmful?
Green algae blooms can affect human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic life. For more information on the health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.
Get the latest information about Florida’s water quality and public health information on harmful algal blooms and beach conditions during the visit ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov. Protecting Florida Together is a federal initiative to provide information on water quality in the state to promote environmental transparency and commitment to action..
What should I do if I see algae?
FDEP collects and analyzes samples of algal blooms. To report flowers to the FDEP, call toll-free at 855-305-3903 or report on the Internet.
To say fish kills, contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 1-800-636-0511.
Say the signs from a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic poison to the Florida Poison Information Center, call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison specialist right away.
Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after eating or coming into contact with blue-green algae.
If you have other health questions or concerns about green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health’s Orange County Call Center at 407-723-5004.
About the Florida Department of Health The department, recognized nationally by a The Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve public health in Florida through federal, state, and local governments.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
