Health officials in Orange County have issued blue-green algae alerts for seven separate lakes in the Orlando area.
On Friday, February 10, Florida Department of Health in Orange County officials issued blue-green algae alerts for Lake Burkett, Lake Martha, Lake Baldwin, Lake Virginia, Big Sand Lake, Sunset Lake, and Lake Sue. The alerts come in response to water samples taken from the lakes between February 6 and February 9.
Algae blooms have the potential to produce toxins that may be harmful to visitors and local wildlife. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of exercising caution when near them and are advising residents and visitors to not drink, swim, wade, or use personal watercraft in waters where blooms are present.
Visitors should avoid getting algal water in eyes, noses, or mouths, and pets and livestock should be kept away from the waters until the alerts are lifted, according to health officials.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis. Once completed, the results are posted through the department’s website.
To report an algal bloom, visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection algal bloom monitoring and response webpage.