Multiple Kentucky state agencies involved in issuing swimming advisories; harmful algal blooms a focus

For many Kentuckians, summer is a chance to take a dip in a creek, pond, lake or river, but not every body of water is safe to swim in. The state Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Division of Public Health Protection and Safety provide reports on unsafe swimming areas. Melanie Arnold is an environmental scientist consultant for the Division of Water.

“A lot of our focus at present is on cyanotoxins from harmful algal blooms, and we can get those reported to us from a number of ways. The public can let us know about harmful algal blooms that they see.”

Arnold said those blooms can be hazardous to people and pets – and they can be identified.

“If they see anything that looks like a green paint slick on the water, if they see visible scums, we'd recommend, you know, not getting in the water, keeping pets away from scum.”

Arnold said pets have died from eating algal blooms full of cyanotoxins.

Swimming advisory information

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