At the present time, pet owners who allow their dogs to swim in the lake, should consider the following information and take the precautions listed below.
Lake Users: It is highly recommended to wash with fresh water after having contact with the lake water. (Included but not limited to swimmers, recreational, boaters, fishers, pets, water crafts and water floats.....).
According to the ASPCA:
cyanobacteria is most likely to thrive in bodies of fresh water when the weather is warm (over 75°F) and sunny. Algae intoxications happen more during the summer because weather conditions promote the growth of cyanobacteria.
Some researchers reported that when temperatures became less than 68°F, there were insignificant amounts of blue-green algae in a lake studied in Wisconsin.
The surface water temperature of our lake has been ~70°F the past few days (October 13 to present) ,and continues to decrease with the cooler temperatures that are now occurring this time of year. Some visible phytoplankton accumulation continues to be observed, mostly in the lake's coves, but not to the extent seen in August and September (2020), and visible surface growth is not seen in other areas of the lake.
Recent microscopic analysis of some of the coves' material shows the presence of anabaena and aphanizomenon, which, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are filamentous
cyanobacteria.
It is unknown whether the isolates seen by microscopy from our lake are toxigenic or not -
NOTE: Not all cyanobacteria blooms are toxic and even blooms caused by known toxin producers may not produce toxins or may produce toxins at undetectable levels.
It is expected that anabaena, aphanizomenon and other cyanobacterial populations will be shown to be present year-round in our lake, including "over-wintering" in the lake.
Therefore, we are currently at the CAUTION level.
When in doubt, stay out!
The Virginia Department of Health lists the following things people should do to prevent illness:
· Avoid contact with any area of the lake where water is green or an advisory sign is posted.
· Do not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.
· Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algae bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after coming into contact with algae scum or bloom water.
· If you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom, seek medical/veterinarian care.
· To ensure fish fillets are safe to eat, properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs, and cooking fish to the proper temperature.
· If you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom, 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 www.SwimHealthyVA.com.
435 Greene Acres Rd N, Stanardsville, VA 22973
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