UPDATE: Lake Alert Lifted for Orlando’s Lake Silver
LIFTED: Lake Alert for Lake Silver
November 20, 2019: The Lake Alert for Lake Silver has been lifted. Please resume all normal water activities associated with the lake.
(The original alert appears below.)
On November 5, 2019, the City took water samples in Lake Silver to determine the presence of microcystins (toxins) resulting from an algae bloom in the lake. It was determined that potentially unsafe concentrations of toxins are present in Lake Silver. As a precaution, we are advising everyone to refrain from swimming, recreating and irrigating in/from Lake Silver until further notice.
For reference, cyanobacteria/blue-green algae are always present in the water. These blooms are caused by low-flowing, warm water and excessive nutrients that can come from a combination of fertilizers, septic tanks, yard waste and pet waste. Blue-green algae can pose a health concern based on its ability to produce toxins. Toxicity is hard to predict because a single species of algae can have toxic and non-toxic strains. Even blooms caused by known toxin-producing species may not produce toxins or may produce toxins at undetectable levels.
Because of the potential for harm to humans and pets, the City will begin performing weekly microcystin testing until the algae appears to have died. Please encourage your neighbors to register for the Lake Alert at orlando.gov/lakealert so they too will get important information about Lake Silver directly.
In the meantime, as we stated above, the City would advise refraining from swimming, recreating and irrigating in/from the lake until further notice. Please be aware that as the algae dies, a “musty” or other unpleasant odor may occur.
If you should have additional questions, please email us at stormwater@orlando.gov.
City of Orlando - Streets & Stormwater Division City of Orlando - Streets and Stormwater Division
1010 S. Woods Ave.
Orlando, FL 32805
