HEALTH ALERT: Blue-Green Algae Blooms Found In Palm Beach County

Health Officials Issuing Alert Following The Discovery Of Toxic Algae In Palm Beach County

HEALTH ALERT Blue-Green Algae Blooms Found In Palm Beach County

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – Boca Post (BocaPost.com) — Health officials from the Palm Beach County Department Of Health confirmed with Boca Post that blue-green algae blooms have been found in several waterways across Palm Beach County.

Most of the locations being reported are in the west end of the county near Lake Okeechobee, however, some algae blooms have been spotted in main waterways that lead to the ocean in central Palm Beach County.

Palm Beach County Department Of Health has issued a health alert due to the presence of Blue-Green Algal toxins in many parts of Lake Okeechobee, including the Okeechobee Pahokee Marina.

Algae blooms detected in the C-51, Image Credit: FDOH

Most concerning is the detection of algae blooms in the C-51 canal in West Palm Beach near the spillway to the Lake Worth lagoon in the Intracoastal waterway.

The Palm Beach County Department Of Health reminds citizens to avoid drinking, bathing, boating, swimming, wading, or really doing anything near any waters affected by blue-green algae blooms.

Always wash your skin and clothes thoroughly if you ever make contact with any discolored or foul-smelling water.

Boiling water will not eliminate the toxins associated with blue-green algae blooms. Any contact made with waters affected by toxic algae must be treated with soap and clean water.

Keep pets away from any signs of blue-green algae blooms. Contrary to rumors, they are not immune to the toxins found in toxic algae.

If you are new to Florida, Blue-green algae is a common type of bacteria that can be found year-round in Florida’s freshwater systems. It is more prevalent in the summer months with the rising temperatures and increased rain volume. The blue-green algae blooms will produce a foul-smelling and unsightly floating green mat that floats above the water. Many types of blue-green algae produce toxins.

While they can originate anywhere, much of the blue-green algae we see comes from Lake Okeechobee and the major waterways that move water from the big lake to the ocean.

Need to report a toxic algae bloom? Report it to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.