DOH-Orange Cautions About Blue Green Algae at Johns Lake (Deer Island N. Cove)

Orlando, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) cautions the public of the presence of blue-green algae in Johns Lake (Deer Island N. Cove) on June 2, 2025. Water sample testing is underway. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• We do not recommend drinking, swimming, wading, using personal watercraft, or coming into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or discolored or water that smells unpleasant.
• Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for 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 Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins.
• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae.