The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert due to harmful blue-green algae toxins in the Gator Slough Canal. This alert followed a water sample taken on Nov. 24.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently tested the canal and found it positive for one of the four toxins screened, even though there were no visible algae blooms.

Residents and visitors should avoid drinking, swimming, or coming into contact with the water where algae blooms are visible. If contact occurs, wash skin and clothing with soap and water. Pets and livestock should stay away from the area and use alternative water sources.

“Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins,” the health department warned, emphasising the importance of caution.

Matt DePaolis, a field biologist from the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, emphasised the seriousness of these algae blooms.

“It’s really important to heed those health warnings when you see them,” said the DePaolis.”We’re constantly on the forefront of discovering new ways that these blooms are damaging, and it’s really something that people should not take lightly.”

According to the DOH, eating fillets from healthy fish caught in affected lakes is safe if rinsed with tap or bottled water. However, do not eat shellfish from these waters.

The DEP does not have a set schedule for resampling the canal, but public health warnings will be lifted once follow-up samples show safe toxin levels.

Health Advisories are lifted 30 days after the sample tests positive or when an additional sample is collected and tests negative. 

For more information on the algae bloom advisory, visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website.