Harmful Algae Bloom Advisories Issued For Parts Of Lake Anna

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — Virginia health officials are urging the public to avoid contact with parts of Lake Anna in Spotsylvania, Louisa and Orange counties due to a harmful algae bloom.

The harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

The affected areas are the North Anna Upper and Middle Branches and the Upper Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive map.

Samples collected on July 13 in the North Anna Upper and Middle Branches and in the Upper Pamunkey Branch below Rt. 522 indicated swimming advisories were necessary due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria densities.

The sample collected at the Upper Pamunkey Branch at Simms Point/Harris Lane indicated cyanobacteria densities were at acceptable levels. Two samples with cyanobacteria densities and cyanotoxin concentrations collected at least 10 days apart are necessary to lift the advisory; therefore, the advisory remains in place at this site, the VDH said.

Cyanotoxins were detected at each of these sites, but were well below safe swimming levels. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddle-boarding as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water. Follow-up monitoring above Rt. 208 on the lake are planned for the first week of August.

The sections of Lake Anna currently under advisory are:

• From the upper inundated waters of the Pamunkey arm of the lake downstream to just above the confluence with Terry’s Run.
• From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm of the lake downstream to the Rt. 522 Bridge.
• From the Rt. 522 Bridge downstream to the Lumsden Flats/Rose Valley Cove.

Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless, however, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or blueish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.

To prevent illness, people should avoid contact with any area of the lake where water is green or an advisory sign is posted. People who suspect they have experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom should contact the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154.

To learn more about harmful algae blooms or to report an algae bloom or fish kill visit the Virginia Department of Health website.