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SARAH CAVACINI/Palatka Daily News. Georges Lake, also referenced as George's Lake, is pictured here on a map of Putnam County.
Health officials are urging residents and visitors to take precautions due to a blue-green algae bloom when using Georges Lake.
The Florida Department of Health in Putnam County issued a statement Wednesday stating water samples taken at the end of December showed harmful algae toxins in the lake, which sits just north of Florahome.
Residents should not drink, swim or use watercraft in areas of the lake where people can see algae bloom, the health department stated. If people come into contact with algae bloom or discolored or odorous water, the agency stated they need to wash their skin and clothes. Keep pets away from the area, and do not cook or clean dishes with the water because boiling it will not eliminate the algae toxins, health department officials stated.
Healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing an algae bloom are safe to eat, according to the health department, but do not eat shellfish in any water with algae blooms.
“Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals,” the agency said in a press release.
The algae is a type of bacteria common to freshwater environments in Florida, the department states, When it rapidly blooms, the agency said it produces discolored water, floating sections of the algae that smell and many blooms can produce toxins.
People who may have been exposed to a harmful algae bloom should call the Florida Poison Information Center, 1-800-222-1222. If a pet may have come into contact with a bloom, the health department recommends the pet owner contact their veterinarian.
Questions about the algae blooms can be directed to the Department of Health in Putnam County by calling 386-326-7189.