Swimmers, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts in Orange County take note: The waters of Lake Killarney—as picturesque as they may be—are currently off-limits for your typical sun-soaked activities. According to an alert by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange), the presence of blue-green algae toxins has led to a health alert for the lake. Tests from water samples last Monday revealed the unhealthy conditions, so you must keep your distance for now.
Blue-green algae is something to avoid. Its slimy presence can cause a range of health problems if you swim, wade, or come into contact with it. So, stay away from any algae blooms, scum, or odd smells around Lake Killarney. And while it might be tempting to get your dog on a paddleboard, DOH-Orange recommends against it—keep your pups dry and safe until the water is clear.
While the health experts at DOH-Orange and the DEP are on the case, testing water samples, here’s the deal: Don’t drink the water (obviously), don’t swim in it, keep your pets away, and don’t try boiling it—it won’t solve the problem.
If you accidentally brush up against the grungy green stuff, take a soapy shower. And for the anglers out there, you can still fish—just rinse those fillets well with clean water, ditch the guts, and cook them thoroughly. As an aside, if you're one of the shellfish aficionados, you'll have to postpone your plans for a freshwater feast. The Florida Department of Health is clear: "Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae."
Stay informed, friends. Meanwhile, reports of algae blooms, human symptoms from exposure, or sick pets can be directed to the appropriate authorities, with all that info readily available on the DOH-Orange alert page.
