From the Florida Department of Health/Orange County
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) cautions the public about blue-green algae in the Little Wekiva River (Riverside Acres Park) on April 28, 2025.
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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 the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.
Photo of the Little Wekiva River from the DEP/Orange
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- We do not recommend that you drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
- Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae, discolored water, or water that smells unpleasant.
- Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are not safe for animals, so pets and livestock should use an alternative water source when algae blooms are present.
- 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 (DEP) 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 DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
What is Blue-Green Algae?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria 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. To learn more about the appearance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together.
Some environmental factors contributing to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins. Blue-green algae may not always be visible as a bloom, but they can still be in the water.
Is Blue-Green Algae Harmful?
Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans, pets, and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid exposure.
For additional information on the potential health effects of algae blooms, visit the Florida Department of Health's webpage on harmful algae blooms.
Where Can I Find Current Water Status Information?
Protecting Florida Together provides current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions. You can subscribe to receive notifications when water quality changes in your area.
Where Can I Report Issues Related to Algae Blooms?
- Algae Blooms: DEP monitors algae blooms and collects samples for analysis. Blooms can be reported to DEP online or by calling toll-free at 1-855-305-3903.
- Human Health: Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center by calling 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist.
- Animal Health: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or coming into contact with blue-green algae-contaminated water.
- Fish Kills: Dead, diseased, 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 other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Orange at 407-723-5004.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.
