Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- We do not recommend that you 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, or discolored 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. Pets and livestock should use an alternative water source when algal 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 the fish fillets with tap or bottled water, remove the guts, and cook the 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 the laboratory, toxin results can be viewed on Protecting Florida Together or on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
What is Blue-Green Algae?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid algal growth accumulates individual cells that discolor the water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors.
Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint on the water surface in various colors. To learn more about the appearance of algae blooms, visit Protecting Florida Together.
Some environmental factors that contribute 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 it can still be present 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 those who are immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure.
For additional information on the potential health effects of algal blooms, visit the Florida Department of Health's harmful algal blooms webpage.
Where Can I Find Current Water Status Information?
Current information on Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal blooms and beach conditions is available at Protecting Florida Together. 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 with a poison specialist.
- Animal Health: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having 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 by calling 800-636-0511.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Orange at 407-723-5004.
Key Points:
- Water sample testing is underway to determine if harmful toxins are present.
- Officials advise against swimming, wading, boating, or any contact with affected water.
- Pets and livestock should be kept away, as algae blooms can be especially dangerous to animals.
- Residents can track updates and report blooms through the state’s Protecting Florida Together platform or by contacting DEP.
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.
