Toxic Algae Warning for Lake Okeechobee from Martin Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health in Martin County is warning the public on May 7 about the presence of blue-green algae in areas of Lake Okeechobee. Water samples are currently being examined. Results from the Department of Environmental Protection will be available later this week.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to people and pets. Because environmental conditions can change at any time, caution is advised, even if the presence of toxic substances has not yet been confirmed.

The toxin microcystin can be harmful when present in concentrations greater than 8 parts per billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Samples were collected on May 7th at:

Lake Okeechobee side of the S-308 lock gates (Port Mayaca).
Lake Okeechobee near Pahokee Marina
Lake Okeechobee near the middle of the lake

DEP will report the results of its sampling on its Blue-Green Algal Bloom Dashboard.

Currently, no Lake Okeechobee outflow flows downstream from the lake through the C-44 Canal to the St. Lucie River. When making layoffs, the health department advises the following precautionary measures:

Do not drink, swim, wade, or use watercraft, water skis, or boats in waters with visible blue-green algae blooms.
Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you come into contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
Keep pets away from the area. Water with algae blooms is not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have an alternative water source during algae blooms.
Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water does not eliminate the toxins.
Eating fillets of healthy fish from thriving freshwater lakes is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the entrails and cook the fish well.
Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

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