Toxic Algae Fouls 2 Ponds at Rock Creek Regional Park

DERWOOD, MD — Residents should stay out of the water at Lake Needwood and Lake Frank at Rock Creek Regional Park, say county officials, because of toxic algae in the water.

And keep your dogs out of the water, too.

Testing has shown there are elevated levels of microcystin, a toxic substance produced by some species of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), in both lakes. Microcystin can cause harm to the liver of humans and pets if ingested. Parks officials are particularly concerned with dogs that are off-leash and may swim and/or drink from the lake.

Montgomery Parks officials urge visitors to take the following precautions:

• Park visitors are encouraged to avoid direct contact with water while boating or fishing.
• Notice that swimming is prohibited in the lake at all times.
• Keep dogs on leash (as is regularly required at the park), and do not allow them to drink or be in contact with the water.
• Wash hands thoroughly prior to eating, drinking, or smoking if someone comes in contact with the water.
• Only eat properly cooked muscle meat of fish that are caught in the lake.

Recreational activities, including boating and fishing, remain open at the lake.

Signs have been posted around Lake Needwood and Lake Frank indicating that elevated levels of microcystin have been found, and to urge visitors to take precautions. Portions of both lakes may be contaminated for the rest of the season.

Montgomery Parks will continue to monitor the lakes and update the signs when the warning is lifted. For updates or more information, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.

»Lake Needwood, courtesy of Montgomery Community Media