Lake Anna swimming advisory extends to Terry’s Run

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a statement to the public that the swimming advisory for Lake Anna has extended to Terry’s Run due to algae blooms that are harmful.

According to VDH, the Lake Anna swimming advisory has been extended to include Terry’s Run and the public is being asked to avoid water contact in the area due to harmful algae blooms .

VDH said the harmful algae bloom is not associated with the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E-coli outbreak from Memorial Day Weekend in the Lake Anna area.

On Monday, July 23, the Department of Environmental Quality reported visual observations of bloom activity in Terry’s Run, but samples were not collected to conserve resources. A concerned citizen also submitted a report form online specifying bloom observations at Terry’s Run, according to the department.

The following are sections for Lake Anna that are currently under the swimming advisory due to unhealthy levels of cyanobacteria:

North Anna Branch (extended advisory):

• Upper North Anna Branch — Beginning at the upper waters of the North Anna arm, including the “Sandbar” of the lake and downstream to the bridge on Route 522.
• Upper and Middle North Anna Branch — Starting from Route 522 bridge, which includes Holladay Bridge/ Route 719, to Lumsden Flats at Rose Valley Drive.

Pamunkey Branch (added advisory):

• Upper-Upper Pamunkey Branch — Starting from the upper waters of Pamunkey Branch to Runnymede Park.
• Upper Pamunkey Branch — Beginning at Runnymede Park to the gathering point of Terry’s Run.
• ** Terry’s Run** — Starting from the upper waters of Terry’s Run to the gathering point of the Upper Pamunkey Branch.
• Middle Pamunkey Branch — Starting from the gathering point of Terry’s Run to Stubbs Bridge/ Route 612.

For more information about the areas to avoid, check out the Harmful Algal Bloom Map .

VDH recommends the following tips to avoid illness:

• Avoid contact with any part of the lake where the water is green or has an advisory sign posted. When in doubt, stay out of the lake.
• Do not allow kids or pets to drink from the affected bodies of water.
• Keep kids and pets out of the areas that have experienced harmful algae bloom. If they’ve come in contact with algae scum or bloom water, wash them off with fresh and clean water.
• Seek medical attention if you, your loved one or animals experience symptoms after swimming in or close to an algal bloom.
• Properly clean fish off, by removing the skin and throwing out all internal organs, as well as cooking fish on the proper temperature to ensure that its safe to eat after bloom exposure.
• Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154, if experienced any health effects due to bloom exposure.

Visit SwimHealthyVa.com to report an algae bloom or learn more about harmful algae blooms.

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