Sharing this message for our community partners at Florida Department of Health in Highlands County:
The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in Lake Grassy.
This is in response to a water sample taken on Feb. 5, 2025. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Grassy.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should use an alternative source of water when algae blooms are present.
• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.
• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish to appropriate temperature.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and partners collect algae samples from reported bloom locations for toxin analysis. Once completed, the results will be posted on the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard (https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom) and can also be viewed on the Protecting Florida Together website (https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/), where you can sign up to be notified of the latest conditions.
What is blue-green algae?
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.
Is it harmful?
Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.
For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.
Find current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal blooms and beach conditions by visiting ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov. Protecting Florida Together is the state’s joint effort to provide statewide water quality information to prioritize environmental transparency and commitment to action.
Where can I find current water status information?
Current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions is available at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/.
You can subscribe to receive notifications when water quality changes in your area at https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/…/preference-center.
Where can I report issues related to algae blooms?
• Algae blooms: DEP monitors algae blooms and collects samples for analysis. Blooms can be reported by calling toll free at 1-855-305-3903 or online at http://www.surveygizmo.com/…/Algal-Bloom-Reporting-Form.
• Human health: Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algae bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center by calling 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist.
• Animal health: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water.
• Fish kills: Dead, diseased, or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling 1-800-636-0511 or online at MyFWC.com/ReportFishKill.
If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County at 863-386-6040.
