Algae Bloom At Lake Audubon Monitored By Reston Association

RESTON, VA — Reston Association alerted residents Tuesday that its watershed staff was monitoring a blue-green algae bloom on Lake Audubon, according to a release.

Watershed staff have tested the levels of toxicity in the bloom and found low levels of the algal toxin microcystin, which can be harmful humans that come in contact with the toxin, as well as pets and animals that drink from affected waters.

At this time, there is no indication that human recreational activity needs to be restricted, according to the release. However, RA warns residents that increased heat or nutrients could raise toxicity levels and they should exercise caution. Swimming is always restricted on Reston's lakes and pet owners are advised to check the waters for signs of blue-green algae before allowing their animals to enter the water.

For now, fishing and boating are still permitted on the lake, but residents should avoid the water, according to RA's release.

Algae blooms are not something new for RA's lakes. Higher temperatures, especially later in the summer, can trigger their growth. Last summer, RA monitored an algae bloom on Lake Thoreau, which eventually disappeared after several weeks.

Algae growth is also facilitated by the presence of nutrients in the water, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Residents are encouraged to pick up pet waste, control sediment erosion, and responsibly fertilize their lawns to decrease the amount of nutrients that end up in the lakes.

RA will continue to monitor the bloom's toxicity levels and will notify the community if further caution or restrictions are necessary. Residents must follow the following recommendations and policies:

• Stay in or on watercraft at all times
• Avoid contact with the algae
• Be cautious allowing pets in the lake

Related:

Lake Thoreau Algae Bloom Expected To Disappear In 2-3 Weeks

Reston Association Watershed staff have been monitoring a blue-green algae bloom on Lake Audubon. For more details please the attached image.

Please send any questions or concerns to our Watershed team at watershed@reston.org. pic.twitter.com/GE9ug77PPi
— Reston Association (@RestonOnline) July 20, 2021