People Should Avoid Lake Waterford In Pasadena Due To Algae Bloom

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD -- Swimmers should avoid Lake Waterford in Pasadena due to a harmful algae bloom occurring there. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has issued a health advisory against direct water contact for the lake that will remain in effect until further notice.

The blooms of blue-green algae reported at Lake Waterford naturally occur in fresh waters and in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. The blooms are in nutrient rich environments and may become harmful when they occur in high concentrations or if they produce toxins.

When bathers see bright green waters, sometimes with a surface scum that resembles green paint, they are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not wade, swim or ingest water in areas where a blue-green algae bloom is evident.
• If contact is unavoidable, wash body and clothes with clean, warm soapy water.
• If there is skin irritation after contact, see a health care provider.
• Keep pets away from bloom areas. Pets should not ingest or come in contact with water during a bloom. Questions regarding any suspected symptoms in pets should be directed to a veterinarian.
• If someone decide to eat fish caught from waters affected by a blue-green algae bloom, remove the fat, skin and organs before cooking. Be careful not to cut into the organs. Before cooking or freezing the fish, rinse the fillets with clean water to remove any contaminants from the cleaning process. Cook fish thoroughly.

More information about blooms can be found on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website: http://dnr.maryland.gov/waters/bay/Pages/algal_blooms/Algae-Bloom-FAQ.aspx. To report human illness from bloom water contact, call the Bay Health Hotline at 877- 224-4229.