PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the canal nearest US1 and Arlington Road, and the canal nearest S Military Trail and Palm Beach Canal Road.
This is in response to a water sample taken on June 8.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
Blue-green algae are 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.
Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae can produce toxins.