{"id":10342,"date":"2023-08-04T14:01:29","date_gmt":"2023-08-04T18:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=10342"},"modified":"2023-08-04T14:01:29","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T18:01:29","slug":"swimming-advisory-issued-for-upper-north-anna-branch-of-lake-anna-in-spotsylvania-county-due-to-harmful-algae-bloom","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2023-regional-news-releases\/swimming-advisory-issued-for-upper-north-anna-branch-of-lake-anna-in-spotsylvania-county-due-to-harmful-algae-bloom\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming Advisory Issued for Upper North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Spotsylvania County due to Harmful Algae Bloom"},"content":{"rendered":"

August 4, 2023
\nMedia Contact:\u00a0 <\/strong>Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Swimming Advisory Issued for Upper North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Spotsylvania County due to Harmful Algae Bloom<\/strong>
\nPublic Advised to Avoid Water Contact with section of Lake Anna above Rt. 208<\/em><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 Effective immediately, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a swimming advisory for the upper section of North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Spotsylvania County due to a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with this specific area of the lake until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom<\/a> map. A status report containing the updated advisory areas may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 8.4.2023<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The North Anna Branch<\/strong> \u2013 from the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm of the lake downstream to the Rt. 522 Bridge \u2013 is the section of the lake currently under a swimming advisory due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria:<\/p>\n

Cyanobacteria have the potential to produce toxins. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing, and stand-up-paddle-boarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water. Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution in advisory areas. Follow-up monitoring above Route 208 on the lake is planned (weather permitting) for the third week of August.<\/p>\n

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. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.<\/p>\n

To prevent illness, people should:<\/p>\n