FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — November 10, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Lake Anna Harmful Algae Bloom Advisories Lifted – 2022 Harmful Algal Response Season Complete
RICHMOND, VA – The North Anna and Pamunkey branches, including Terry’s Run, of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania have experienced a harmful algae bloom (HAB) since July. Results of samples collected October 18 indicated potentially toxic cyanobacteria at acceptable levels at all but the upper North Anna Branch. A status report containing the updated information may be viewed at Lake Anna Status Report.
While all other sample sites contained significantly lower concentrations, October 18 samples from the Upper North Anna Branch still indicated unsafe levels of cyanobacteria (>100,000 cells/ml). The public is recommended to be aware of and to avoid discolored water or scums from the upper inundated areas of the North Anna to the Rt. 522 Bridge.
Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless, however, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins.
The public should avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins..
To prevent illness from potentially toxic algae blooms:
- 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.
- Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom.
- Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs, and cooking fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish filets are safe to eat.
- Contact the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154 if you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom.
WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, suspend response sampling at the end of October each year, when the recreational (swimming) season concludes and as temperatures begin cooling in natural waters. This change enables conservation of response resources for peak swimming use. Algae blooms which are still present in October/November in areas of a waterbody may persist into late fall and possibly winter months. While cyanobacteria concentrations fluctuate during seasonal transitions, resources are not available to continue the response efforts in off-season months. Response efforts will resume in May 2023, weather permitting.
For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.
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