Latest news with #Cyanobacteria
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
How staying ‘up-to-date' with water quality at Burlington beaches can keep you safe
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Burlington's department of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront is reminding people to check park water quality so that they can have safe fun 'in the sun'. Beach-swimming water is reportedly tested several times a day to determine the safety-level of beaches. The Swim-Water Updates Page is a live PDF that 'covers all public-health related beach closures from Cyanobacteria blooms and elevated E. coli levels,' according to the Department's webpage. Oakledge Park set to host 'first-ever' concessions vendor From Memorial Day Through Labor Day, beaches are inspected for E. Coli and Cyanobacteria blooms, the ladder of which can release toxins and poisons that are hazardous to human health. During the season testing occurs bi-weekly, while Cyanobacteria testing happens daily. Additional information on category warnings and closures and be found on the department's website, as well as the Swim-Water Update Page. On Facebook, they remind people to 'Check before you go!' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Blue Cypress Lake, Indian River County
A toxic algae bloom in Blue Cypress Lake prompted a May 22 health advisory warning people to avoid contact with the water. Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, was detected in the center of the lake on May 15 — seven days before the Florida Department of Health issued a public health advisory. The level of the toxin microcystin was 0.86, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 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. It's the second such advisory in as many days. Potentially toxic algae was found in a canal on the Martin County side of Lake Okeechobee near Port Mayaca, state officials warned in a May 21 health advisory. DEP is awaiting test results to determine whether the algae is toxic. 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: Is phosphorus pollution from Pressley Ranch's biosolids? Algae advisory: Florida DOH warns of algae in Martin County on C-44 Canal side of Lake Okeechobee 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 This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Blue Cypress Lake
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
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 This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Fellsmere lake
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue-green algae back at Red Bud Isle
The Brief Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are back in Austin Significant amounts were found at Red Bud Isle Blue-green algae are dangerous for humans but especially harmful to dogs AUSTIN, Texas - Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are back in Austin. According to Austin Watershed Protection, significant amounts were found at Red Bud Isle. What they're saying Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are dangerous for humans but especially harmful to dogs. Dr. Brent Bellinger is the Conservation Program Supervisor with the Austin Watershed Protection Department. "If you go to any creek, any reservoir, you want to be aware that this potentially toxic algae could be present," said Dr. Brent Bellinger. It has a slimy texture and floats on stagnant or still bodies of water. While it can be beneficial to aquatic ecosystems, overgrowth leads to blooms, which can cause health concerns. "Human activities, unfortunately, can stimulate excessive growth, can stimulate that toxic toxin production," said Bellinger. Is toxic algae the new normal in area lakes? Green algae blooms in Austin lakes and creeks; city warns to stay cautious Discussing toxic algae symptoms Dogs often ingest algae from lake water, swim in it, or get it on their fur and try to lick it off. The algae can be fatal for them. "Unfortunately, for the dogs, if they get that mat material in their fur, if it's on a tennis ball; they incidentally ingest, then they have that exposure," said Bellinger. High concentrations of algae blooms can also be harmful to fish. The toxins tend to localize in fish tissue, specifically the liver and kidneys, but not necessarily the parts we eat. "We've been studying this now for five years, trying to understand what are some of those triggers that go from nontoxic to toxic out here so that we can make better predictions, forecasts, and provide better information to the public," said Bellinger. What you can do "We want people to enjoy Austin's phenomenal resources, but we want people to be cautious," said Bellinger. His advice is to avoid contact with the algae, not drink from the lake, rinse off after being in the water, and the same goes for your pets. The Source Information in this report comes from the Austin Watershed Protection Department.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Algae popping up in waterways again; why it happens, how to protect yourself, pets from toxins
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Warmer weather in Central Texas usually means a few things: Bluebonnets start blooming, severe weather activity picks up, and algae pops up in waterways. If you're a fan of water-related activities, you should especially be aware of the latter of those Spring occurrences. While some algae contain toxins that are harmful to people, animals and the environment, not all algal blooms are toxic. A harmful algal bloom occurs in bodies of freshwater when Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, produce toxins. According to the city of Austin, Lady Bird Lake experienced a harmful algal bloom in 2019, which sickened and killed several dogs. There have been harmful blooms on the lake and other local bodies of water every year since then. Austin pilot program treats algae on Lady Bird Lake Austin Watershed posted on Facebook Thursday, cautioning people about the presence of algae. 'We are seeing a lot of algae at Red Bud Isle that could be toxic. It may be present in other places as well. Please treat all algae like it may be toxic,' the post said. Red Bud Isle is a popular leash-free dog park on Lady Bird Lake, just below the Lake Austin dam. While canoes, kayaks and similar watercraft can be used on Lady Bird Lake, swimming is not allowed. What's in the water? Toxic algae thriving Austin Watershed recommended that people avoid contact with algae, not drink water from the lake, rinse off after contact with water, and not allow dogs to lick their fur before rinsing them off (if they've been in contact with lake water). Harmful algal blooms can cause a variety of mild to life-threatening illnesses in people in animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and symptoms can vary based on the toxin and exposure. Illnesses caused by toxic algae can happen if a person or animal ingests toxins, comes in direct contact with toxins through the skin or eyes, or inhales gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane that are produced by cyanobacteria. Symptoms can include but are not limited to: Headache or fever Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Acute hepatitis or jaundice Blood in urine or diarrhea Numbness Burning sensation Drowsiness Salivation Speech disturbances Allergic dermatitis, including rash, itching, or blisters Conjunctivitis Respiratory irritation If you, a family member or a pet has sudden, unexplained symptoms after swimming or being exposed to a body of water, contact your medical provider, veterinarian or the Texas Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Austin Public Health also has a harmful algal bloom suspected illness reporting form, available in English and Spanish. While algae are naturally occurring and an important part of aquatic ecosystems, some species under some conditions can produce toxins, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In Austin, waterways are frequently tested for several types of algae, but cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are the most common. When they form mats big enough to see, they usually look like dark green, slimy blobs, according to the city. Blue-green algae are often mixed in with other types of algae. The city said it is not aware of any human or pet health problems from harmful algae in Austin before 2019. The city noted that zebra mussels, flooding during the fall of 2018, and climate change are potential contributing factors to the harmful algae bloom that occurred in 2019. The EPA noted online that climate change has effects on bodies of water that might cause algal blooms to become more severe and to occur more often in more water bodies. Those effects are predicted to be exacerbated in the future, according to the EPA. More information about harmful algae and algae mitigation can be found on the city of Austin's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
