WSSC Water issues health advisory after algae detected in Triadelphia Reservoir

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — WSSC Water is warning residents who live near the Triadelphia Reservoir after a high concentration of blue-green algae was detected in the water.

As a result, WSSC Water has issued a recreational water contact health advisory. This comes after officials said the algae, also known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), can cause adverse health effects if consumed.

The Triadelphia Reservoir, which is located along the Patuxent River in Montgomery and Howard counties serves as a drinking water source for WSSC Water. It is also used as a recreational area for hiking, fishing and boating.

As of Sept. 12, WSSC Water said the drinking water has not been affected and meets all Safe Drinking Water Act standards. However, officials continue closely monitoring water quality conditions at the Patuxent Water Filtration Plant.

Currently, the recreation areas remain open and boating and fishing on the reservoir is still allowed.

When using the reservoir, WSSC Water encourages visitors to do the following:

• Do not consume fish livers or digestive organs from fish caught in the reservoir. If you catch a fish in the reservoir, wash the fillets thoroughly with drinking water.
• Do not allow pets to swim in or drink the water (prohibited at all times by WSSC Water watershed regulations).
• Any body part that comes in contact with reservoir water should be rinsed with drinking water.

WSSC Water said if your pet or someone you know had contact with or ingested water at the Triadelphia Reservoir to call the health department:

• Montgomery County: 240-777-0311 (Montgomery County 311)
• Prince George’s County: 301-883-4748 (Prince George’s County 311)
• Howard County: 410-313-1773 (Community Hygiene Department)

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