ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Health officials are urging residents and anglers to avoid contact with water where blue-green algae blooms are visible in Willoughby Canal, east of Lake Conway.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County reported the algae’s presence on Oct. 19. Water sample testing is underway, and toxins have not yet been confirmed, according to the department’s notice.
Blue-green algae can produce toxins, and officials say changing conditions make caution important even while test results are pending.
What anglers should know
According to the health department, fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing algae blooms are safe to eat when properly prepared. Anglers should:
- Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
- Throw away the guts.
- Cook fish thoroughly.
Do not eat shellfish from waters with algae blooms. Avoid contact with visibly affected water, including while handling or cleaning a catch.
Precautions for residents and visitors
Health officials advise against drinking, swimming, wading, using personal watercraft, or otherwise coming into contact with water where a bloom is visible.
Anyone who touches algae or water that is discolored or smells unpleasant should wash their skin and clothing with soap and water.
Keep pets and livestock from affected water; provide safe drinking water. Don’t use bloom-contaminated water for cooking or dishes—boiling won’t remove toxins.
What to watch for
Blue-green algae are bacteria commonly found in Florida’s freshwater environments. Bloom occurs when rapid growth causes cells to accumulate, potentially discoloring the water or forming floating mats with unpleasant odors.
Once samples have been analyzed, toxin results can be checked through Protecting Florida Together or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
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