09/19/2025
Folks, it’s that time of year to be alert of any algal blooms on the lake. Below is a flyer the GA EPD is sending out. Please be on the alert and take proper precautions if you see one.
Harmful Algal Blooms may be present.
“When in doubt, stay out.”
GA EPD is sharing information on Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) to protect you and your pets. If you see a bloom, please use caution.
An HAB is caused naturally by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) collecting in open water that can become harmful. People and animals that touch, swallow or breathe in toxins from this water can become sick, sometimes suddenly. Not all blooms are harmful and they can be short-lived.
How To Identify A Potential HAB
• Water discoloration (bright green, blue, brown, or red tint)
• Water cloudiness below the surface
• Water may resemble pea soup or spilled green/blue-green paint and have thick mat-like collections of floating scum
• Stressed or dead fish
What Should You Do If You See A Possible Harmful Algal Bloom?
• Keep children and pets away from the bloom. Do not swim or wade through algal scum. Avoid playing fetch with pets in the water near the bloom.
• If you or your animals come into contact with an algal bloom, don’t swallow or inhale the water and wash with fresh water and soap afterward. Wash animals' fur thoroughly before allowing them to lick themselves.
• Do not drink, cook, or shower with untreated water from lakes, ponds, or streams.
• Do not drive your boat, water ski, or jet ski through a bloom.
• Do not fish from lakes, ponds, or rivers where floating algal scum is found.
• Avoid exposure to irrigation water drawn from untreated sources.
• If you or an animal begin to have a rash, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory or nervous system problems, call or visit a healthcare provider soon and be sure to mention the possibility of contacting an HAB.
• Report any possible HAB to nearby rangers, or managers in charge of the lake and to [email protected].
o Name
o Contact information (email or phone number)
o Date and time observed bloom
o Name of lake or waterbody
o Lake location (cove, nearest boat ramp, marina etc…)
o If possible latitude and longitude (GPS coordinates)
o Have you contacted the lake manager Yes/No
o Description of bloom
o Attach photographs
For more information please see GA EPD’s website at:
