The blue-green algae situation is looking better in Lake Clarke Shores, but homeowners who live on the water still have concerns.
Residents say for weeks a green film of algae was covering the entire lake and surrounding canals in their town. Even though the algae has cleared out and the water looks much better, many say they still don't trust it.
"Recreationally, we can't kayak, we can't wakeboard, we can't ski, we can't go jetskiing," said Carl Auditore, who lives on the water.
Jin Hanley// Lake Clarke Shores Resident- "We did eat fish that we caught here," added Jin Hanley, who lives down the street, "But I don't know if you want to do that anymore right now."
Water district officials say the algae residents saw in Lake Clarke Shores most likely came from Lake Okeechobee, through the C51 Canal. It connects waters that flow from Lake Okeechobee to Palm Beach County.
Water officials say residents should see less and less of the algae because only a small amount comes into Palm Beach County through the C51 Canal, and the Army Corps of Engineers has significantly reduced releases.
Still, it's little consolation for homeowners like Hanley.
"The reason we live here is because of the canal," she said.
A spokesman for the Palm Beach County Health Department says Lake Clarke Shores residents still shouldn't swim in the water, but as it is now, they're safe to boat or kayak, as long as they rinse off with soap and freshwater afterward.
