Health officials issue blue-green algae alerts for two Orlando lakes, lift two others

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County issued blue-green algae alerts for two Orlando lakes and lifted alerts from two other lakes this week.

According to a press release from the health department, blue-green algal toxins were discovered in water samples taken at Lake Sue and Lake Chelton on March 7 and March 8, respectively.

Blue Green Algae ALERT Lake CHELTON mar2022
A blue-green algae alert was issued for Lake Chelton after a water sample taken on March 8, 2022

Those samples, which were taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, showed the presence of algal blooms, which can harm human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.

Additionally, both Lake Estelle and Lake Formosa had their previous blue-green algae alerts lifted. According to officials, because of the fluid and organic nature of algal blooms, it is possible that bloom conditions could return. As a result, the public is advised to watch for and report future algae blooms on both lakes.

Blue-green algae is a type of bacteria that is common in Florida’s freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Orange County Algal Bloom Information Line at 407-723-5216.

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