ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) cautions the public about the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in Lake Apopka (Newton Park dock).
With water sample testing underway, blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is essential to exercise caution, even if the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Do not 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
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 the 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.
Is Blue-Green Algae Harmful?
Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets as well as 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 any exposure.
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 algae 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 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 at 800-636-0511.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Orange at 407-723-5004.
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