Health officials activate Blue-green Algae Bloom Alert in Jacksonville

Jacksonville — There are multiple spots in Jacksonville where you need to be careful about getting in the water or letting your pets near the water, mainly in certain parts of the St. Johns River.

The Department of Health in Duval County has issued a Blue-green Algae Bloom Alert in areas of the St. Johns River and its tributaries.

Water samples taken from Sept. 21 triggered the activation, according to the Department of Health, so you need to be careful throughout the St. Johns, but especially near the Arlington Boat Ramp, Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital, Marina Ortega Landing and in Pottsburg Creek near River Hills Circle East.

The Department of Health says you should not get in the water or drink the water in those areas, but if you do come in contact with the algae it’s important to wash your skin and clothing with soap and water right away.

The algae is pretty common in fresh water throughout the state. A bloom happens when it accumulates to the point of discoloring the water with the possibility of an unpleasant odor.

You can report a bloom to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by calling the hotline at (855) 305-3903 or report it online here.

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