Authorities advise residents to watch for blue-green algae in Blue Marsh Lake  | Northern Berks County

LEESPORT, Pa.- Authorities are asking residents to be aware of blue-green algae in Berks County’s Blue Marsh Lake.  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District updated the Lake’s Harmful Algal Bloom Status from Watch to Advisory, the Corps said in a news release. 

The district advised residents to be aware of the algae’s potentially harmful toxins. 

Algal bloom signs include discolored water and scum, according to the report. 

The U.S. Army Corps said Swim Beach’s weekly testing has not indicated any present toxins and will be open for public use. 

The district issued tips for families to protect themselves from blue-green algae in the area, which include: 

Avoid water contact in areas where water is discolored or has foam, scum, or algae on the water’s surface. 

Visit Blue Marsh Lake’s webpage, social media, or park phone system for future updates to the Harmful Algal Bloom Status.