PASCO COUNTY, FLa.- The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has issued a health alert due to the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Doweling Lake-North. The alert stems from a water sample collected on March 4th, 2024.
Residents and visitors are urged to use caution around Doweling Lake-North. This includes avoiding activities like swimming, wading, using personal watercraft, or drinking the water.
The Health Department advises taking the following precautions:
Avoid contact with the water: This includes swimming, wading, using personal watercraft, or boating in areas with visible blooms.
Wash thoroughly after contact: If you touch the water or discolored/smelly areas, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water immediately.
Protect pets: Keep pets away from the lake. Do not allow them to drink the water or come into contact with algae blooms. Provide pets with alternative sources of water.
Do not use contaminated water: Avoid cooking, cleaning dishes, or drinking water from the lake. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
Safe fish consumption: If you fish in the lake, catching healthy fish for consumption is safe. However, thoroughly rinse fillets with clean water, discard the guts, and cook fish well. Shellfish from the lake are not safe to eat.
What are Blue-Green Algae Blooms?
Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria common in Florida's freshwater environments. Blooms occur when rapid algae growth leads to a build-up of cells, discoloring the water and sometimes forming floating mats with unpleasant odors.
Factors like sunshine, warm water temperatures, stagnant water, and excess nutrients contribute to these blooms. They can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Many types of blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals.
For additional information:
Potential health effects: https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins/harmful-algae-blooms/index.html
Water quality and health advisories: https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/
How to Report:
Report algal blooms: Florida Department of Environmental Protection - 1-855-305-3903 (toll-free) or online
Report fish kills: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute - 1-800-636-0511
Report health problems: Florida Poison Information Center - 1-800-222-1222
Report sick pets: Contact your veterinarian
Other health questions: Florida Department of Health in Pasco County - 813-619-0300