Health officials issue warning after finding toxins from blue-green algae in Doctors Lake

FLEMING ISLAND, Florida. – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County issued a health alert Friday after harmful blue-green algae toxins were discovered in Doctors Lake near Magnolia Road.

The warning came after the analysis of a water sample taken on July 16.

According to DOH-Clay, blue-green algae is a type of bacteria found in Florida’s freshwater environments. When they bloom, algae can discolor the water and form floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. In addition, blooms can also appear as foam, scum, or paint of various colors on the water’s surface.

Officials said residents should be cautious in and around the area and shared a list of safety precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use watercraft, or come into contact with waterways where visible mold growth is present.

• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae or discolored or unpleasant-smelling water.

• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Water bodies where algal blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative water source during algal blooms.

• Do not cook or flush with water contaminated by algal blooms. Boiling the water will not remove the toxins.

• It is safe to eat fillets of healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes where a flake bloom has occurred. Rinse the fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the entrails, and cook the fish thoroughly.

• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algal blooms.

Health officials said blue-green algae blooms are more common in the summer and fall and that sunny days, warm water temperatures, standing water and an excess of nutrients contribute to the blooms.

According to DOH-Clay, blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to people and pets, as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.

Sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems could be at risk even at low concentrations of blue-green algae and should avoid any contact, health officials said.

For current water quality information in Florida, as well as public health alerts on harmful algal blooms and beach conditions, visit Protecting Florida Together.

For more information on the potential health effects of algal blooms, visit this website.