The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued a Health Caution for the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Copeland.
A water sample taken from the lake, which is located south of Downtown Orlando, showed the presence of algal blooms on January 13.
“The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Copeland,” reads the release from the FDOH in Orange County.
According to health officials, blooms have the potential to produce toxins and it is important to exercise caution around them, as bloom conditions are dynamic and could change at any time.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) collects algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis. Once completed, the results will be posted on the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard, and can also be viewed on the Protecting Florida Together website.
Residents and visitors are advised to not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom. Keep pets and livestock away from waters, and avoid eating shellfish or other fish caught at the location.