Blue-Green Algae Alert For Dowling And Blanton Lakes In Pasco County

Harmful Algal Blooms Detected

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County warns residents about harmful blue-green algal toxins found in Dowling Lake and Blanton Lake. Water samples taken on June 25th, 2024 confirmed their presence.

Precautions for Residents and Visitors

• Avoid contact with the water: Do not drink, swim, wade, use watercraft, or boat in areas with visible blooms.
• Wash thoroughly: If you touch the water or discolored areas, wash your skin and clothes with soap and water.
• Protect pets: Keep animals away from the lakes. Don’t let them drink or swim in the contaminated water. Provide alternative water sources for pets and livestock.
• Don’t use contaminated water: Avoid cooking or cleaning dishes with bloom-affected water. Boiling won’t remove toxins.
• Safe Fish Consumption: Rinse fillets from healthy fish caught in these lakes with clean water, discard the guts, and cook thoroughly.
• Shellfish Warning: Avoid consuming shellfish from these lakes entirely.

Read: Man Electrocuted To Death While Trimming Trees In Hudson: Pasco Sheriff

What are Blue-Green Algae Blooms?

These are common bacteria found in Florida’s freshwater. Blooms occur when rapid algae growth discolors the water and creates floating mats with unpleasant odors.

Contributing Factors:

• Sunny days
• Warm water temperatures
• Still water conditions
• Excess nutrients

Blooms are more frequent in summer and fall, but can appear year-round. Many types of blue-green algae produce toxins.

Health Risks

These blooms can harm human health and aquatic ecosystems.

For details on potential health effects, visit: floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins .

Reporting Blooms and Health Concerns

• Report blooms to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection:
  • Call toll-free: 1-855-305-3903
  • Report online
• Report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute: 1-800-636-0511
• Report health issues from algal bloom exposure: Florida Poison Information Center: 1-800-222-1222
• Report pet illness: Contact your veterinarian
• Other health questions: Florida Department of Health in Pasco County: 813-619-0300

Stay Informed

• Current water quality information and public health advisories: ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov This is a state initiative promoting water quality transparency and action.

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Blue-Green Algae Alert For Dowling And Blanton Lakes In Pasco County