Florida DOH warns of toxic algal bloom in Fellsmere Water Management Area, Headwaters Lake
Toxic algae in Headwaters Lake prompted a May 30 health advisory for the waterway, which is also known as the Fellsmere Water Management Area.
Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, contained the toxin microcystin at a level of 0.43 on May 27, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. That was three days before the Florida Department of Health alerted the public to be careful around the lake.
The toxin is harmful to people, pets and wildlife to touch, ingest or inhale when the level is 8 parts per billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. None of that information was included in the DOH health advisory.
This is the third such advisory this month. DOH warned of toxic algae in Blue Cypress Lake on May 22, and of potentially toxic algae in the C-44 Canal on the Martin County side of Lake Okeechobee near Port Mayaca on May 21.
Blue Cypress Lake has experienced toxic algae outbreaks in previous years, including 2018 and 2016. Biosolids were suspected of causing the latter. Pressley Ranch, which lies southwest of the lake, had spread partially treated human sewage sludge over 3,059 acres of pastureland to help grow Bahia grass for cattle grazing.
Toxic algae is most common in the hotter, wetter, summer months. Blooms can appear as scum, foam or paint on the surface of the water in various colors.
Some environmental factors that contribute to blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. They come predominately from agricultural runoff but also urban development. Blooms can appear year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall.
Toxins can be harmful to the ecosystem, including fish and other aquatic animals, as well as people. Children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised may be at risk even at low concentrations, DOH stated.
Blue Cypress Lake: DOH warns of toxic algal bloom in this Indian River County lake
Lake Okeechobee: DOH warns of algae in C-44 Canal in Martin County
The DOH advises residents and visitors to take these 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 or discolored or water that smells unpleasant.
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.
Report a bloom to DEP online or via its toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903.
Report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511.
Tim O'Hara is TCPalm's environment reporter. Contact him at tim.ohara@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Fellsmere lake
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