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Blue-green algae warning for Dead Lake at Bull Creek boat ramp | Observer Local News

The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County has issued a health alert due to the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in Dead Lake at the Bull Creek boat ramp.

The warning was issued in response to a water sample taken on May 28. The public should exercise caution in and around Dead Lake. DOH-Flagler advises residents and visitors to take the following 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, 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 with fish blooms. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the entrails and cook the fish thoroughly.
  • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algal blooms.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and its partners collect algal samples from reported algal bloom sites. After the samples are analyzed in their laboratory, toxin analysis results can be viewed at protectingfloridatogether.gov or at floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom.

Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. An algal bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to the accumulation of individual cells that discolor the water and often form floating mats that give off unpleasant odors.

Blue-green algae blooms can also appear as foam, spray or paint in various colors on the water surface.

Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms include sunny days, warm water temperatures, stagnant water, and excess nutrients. Blooms can occur year-round, but are more common in the summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to people and pets, as well as ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals. Blue-green algae may not always be visible as a bloom, but it can still be present in the water.

If you have any additional health questions or concerns about blue-green algae, please call DOH-Flagler at 386-437-7358.