January 23, 2024 – Lake Alert for Lake Arnold

The City of Orlando is issuing a Lake Alert for Lake Arnold due to a harmful algal bloom.

(Sent on behalf of The Florida Department of Health)

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Orange County has issued a Cyanobacteria Caution for the presence of an algal bloom in Lake Arnold. This is in response to a site visit and water sample taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on January 22, 2024. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Arnold.

Algae are always present in water, however, not all algae produce toxins. Algae are most common in Florida during the summer and early fall, due to high temperatures and sunlight.

The official toxin determination is obtained from FDEP's data. If toxins are present in water samples, FDOH will issue a Health Alert. The Cyanobacteria Caution and/or Health Alert will remain in effect per FDOH guidelines. To find current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algal blooms by visiting ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov

You can also learn more about harmful algal blooms here: https://www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Lakes-and-Rainfall/Lake-Alerts/Harmful-Algal-Bloom-FAQs

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Orange County Call Center at 407.723.5004.

To report a bloom to FDEP, call the toll-free hotline at 855.305.3903 or report online at https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3444948/Algal-Bloom-Reporting-Form