Increased discharges from Lake Okeechobee and other environmental causes have been blamed for the toxic algae that is present in South Florida waterways.
Harmful algal blooms can contaminate drinking water and have negative effects on the environment, wildlife and tourism.
Below are selected excerpts from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Freshwater Algal Blooms FAQ
What is blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a type of algae found naturally in freshwater environments. This algae is a microorganism that functions like a plant in that it feeds through photosynthesis and derives its energy from the sun.
Blue-green algae can be found all over the world, and occur in Florida’s freshwater and brackish habitats, such as lakes, rivers and estuaries.
What causes an algal bloom?
Although blue-green algae are found naturally, increases in nutrients can exacerbate the extent, duration and intensity of blooms. Other factors that contribute to blooms include warm temperatures, reduced water flow, and lack of animals that eat algae. Although they can occur at any time, blue-green algae are most common in Florida during the summer and early fall, with high temperatures and abundant sunlight. The summer also brings storms that have the potential to deliver nutrients into waterways through stormwater runoff.
Are all types of blue-green algae harmful?
Some – not all – blue-green algae can produce toxins that can contribute to environmental problems and affect public health. Little is known about exactly what environmental conditions trigger toxin production. Over time, these toxins are diluted and eventually break down and disappear.
Non-toxic blooms can also harm the environment by depleting oxygen levels in the water column and reducing the amount of light that reaches submerged plants.
What are the health risks associated with algal blooms?
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) takes the lead in determining if a harmful algal bloom presents a risk to human health. DOH issues health advisories as it determines to be appropriate when toxicity levels are higher and may also post warning signs when blooms affect public beaches or other areas where there is the risk of human exposure.
The World Health Organization considers toxin levels under 10 micrograms/liter to represent a low-level risk for adverse health outcomes from short-term recreational exposure; however, certain sensitive populations (e.g., children, the elderly and immunocompromised populations) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure.
Who should I contact about beach closures?
For the most up-to-date information regarding public beach closures, residents and visitors are encouraged to contact the counties directly as they have information on the latest actions.
» Martin County: 772-320-3112
» St. Lucie County: 772-229-2850
» Palm Beach County
• North Palm Beach County (Juno Beach and north): 561-624-0065
• South Palm Beach County (Riviera Beach and south): 561-629-8775
» Visit www.floridastateparks.org for state park beach closure alerts
For more information about algal blooms, visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's FAQ here.
