POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) issued a cautionary advisory today, April 25, 2025, following the confirmed presence of blue-green algae in the Parker Crago Canal.
The initial detection occurred on April 21, 2025, and water sample testing is currently underway to determine if toxins are present.
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While toxin levels are yet to be confirmed, DOH-Polk is urging residents and visitors to exercise caution in and around the Parker Crago Canal. Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins that can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment.
DOH-Polk strongly advises the public to take the following precautions:
- Avoid Contact: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, or come into contact with water where a visible algae bloom is present.
- Wash Thoroughly: If you come into contact with algae or discolored water that smells unpleasant, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water immediately.
- Protect Pets and Livestock: Keep pets and livestock away from the canal to prevent them from drinking or coming into contact with the water, as it is unsafe for animals when algae blooms are present. Ensure they have an alternative source of clean water.
- Do Not Use Contaminated Water: Do not use water contaminated by algae blooms for cooking or cleaning dishes. Boiling the water will not eliminate potential toxins.
- Safe Fish Consumption: It is safe to eat fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms. However, rinse the fillets with tap or bottled water, discard the guts, and cook the fish thoroughly.
- Avoid Shellfish: Do not eat shellfish from waters where algae blooms are present.
Blue-green algae are a common type of bacteria found in Florida’s freshwater environments. Blooms occur when there is a rapid growth of these algae, leading to a visible accumulation of cells that can discolor the water and often form floating mats with unpleasant odors. These blooms can also appear as scum, foam, or paint-like streaks on the water’s surface in various colors.
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Several environmental factors can contribute to the development of blue-green algae blooms, including sunny days, warm water temperatures, stagnant water conditions, and an excess of nutrients. While blooms can occur throughout the year, they are more common during the summer and fall months. It’s important to note that blue-green algae can be present in the water even when a visible bloom is not apparent.
Blue-green algae can produce toxins that pose a risk to human and animal health, as well as the delicate balance of ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic life. Sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, may be at higher risk even at lower concentrations and should avoid any exposure.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and its partners are actively monitoring the situation, collecting algae samples from the Parker Crago Canal. Once the samples are analyzed, toxin results will be available on the Protecting Florida Together website and the DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard.
The public plays a vital role in monitoring and reporting potential algae blooms and related health issues. Please use the following resources:
- Algae Blooms: Report blooms to the DEP online or by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-855-305-3903.
- Human Health: Report any symptoms of exposure to a harmful algae bloom or aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222.
- Animal Health: If you suspect your pet has become ill after contact with potentially contaminated water, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Fish Kills: Report any instances of dead, diseased, or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online or at 800-636-0511.
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