Lake Advisory - Lake Olivia

The Florida Department of Health has issued a Health Alert for Lake Olivia near Gotha Road and Hempel Avenue in west Orange County.

DOH-Orange issues a Health Alert for Lake Olivia for the presence of Microcystin Toxin, which is produced and release by blue green algae (cyanobacteria).

DOH-Orange Environmental Health staff will post signage at Lake Olivia at the north boat ramp until further notice.

DOH - Contact Kent Donahue Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov 407-858-1418

Blue green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can grow in many of Florida’s waterbodies. Large concentration, called blooms can change the water color to blue, green, brown, orange or red. Blooms can appear year-round but are more frequent in summer and fall. Blue green algae can grow rapidly and sometimes form a foamy surface scum and an unpleasant odor. Because algae blooms can remove oxygen from the water, fish kills can occur.

Don’t swallow, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there are algae blooms. Algae blooms can cause ear, eye and skin reactions and hay fever and flu-like symptoms like diarrhea. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae, discolored or smelly water.

Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.

Don’t cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.

Fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms are safe to eat. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish well. Do not eat shellfish from this location.

To protect yourself, your family and your pets from cyanobacteria blooms: