Harmful Algae May Be Present In Allatoona Lake

CARTERSVILLE, GA — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District is alerting visitors that harmful algal blooms may be present at Allatoona Lake in Cartersville. The USACE has been coordinating with the local health department for Bartow County and Georgia Department of Natural Resources to address public concern, the USACE said in a news release.

Georgia's DNR’s Environmental Protection Division dispatched an environmental testing team to Lake Allatoona on Aug. 12 to take water samples.

“We take public safety concerns seriously and appreciate the support from our partners at GA DNR,” Cesar Yabor, chief of public affairs for USACE Mobile District, said in the release. “We are currently standing by to receive test results from the Environmental Protection Division.”

For information on risks and precautions regarding harmful algal blooms, visit Georgia's DNR’s website: https://epd.georgia.gov/harmful-algal-blooms.

Algae blooms can produce irritants and/or toxins, called cyanotoxins, which can pose health risks to humans and animals.

Reports nationwide of dogs dying after swimming in ponds containing blue-green algae have surfaced in the past week.

In North Carolina, Melissa Martin and Denise Mintz took their three dogs — two West Highland terriers and a goldendoodle mix — on a doggie playdate to swim in a pond and play in the mud. Within minutes of leaving the pond, one of the dogs began having a seizure, owner Melissa Martin said on Facebook. By the end of the night, all three dogs were dead, the victims ofblue-green algae poisoning, according to the dog owners.

"At 12:08 AM, our dogs crossed the rainbow bridge together," Martin wrote. "They contracted blue green algae poisoning and there was nothing they could do. We are gutted. I wish I could do today over. "

Several dogs have also reportedly died after swimming in an Austin, Texas lake believed to have been contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.

What is toxic blue-green algae, and why is it bad?

According to health officials, blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are photosynthetic bacteria that are a natural part of the aquatic environment. Blue-green algae are often present in lakes in small or moderate amounts, but can grow and proliferate quickly in warm, fresh water that is rich with nutrients.

Harmful algae blooms may appear as a thick scum layer or green paint on the surface of the water, and can be a variety of colors such as blue, green or brown and may have a foul odor, says the EPA.

Most blue-green algae is harmless, but the production of toxins is what makes an algal bloom harmful, according to experts. Microcystin is the most well-known toxin produced during a harmful algal bloom, and it can cause a variety of symptoms by affecting the skin, liver, GI tract and nervous system.

A high abundance of algae can block sunlight to underwater bay grasses, consume oxygen in the waterleading to fish kills, produce surface scum and odors, and interfere with the feeding of shellfish and other organisms that filter water to obtain their food. Some algal species can also produe chemicals that are toxic to humans and aquatic life, says the Maryland Department of Health.

Harmful algae can cause illness in young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, as well as animals. Symptoms of exposure to algal toxins include rashes, hives, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing or wheezing.

If you spot a blue-green algae bloom

If you see a potential harmful algae bloom, avoid the water.

• Do not swim or wade through algal scums
• Do not boat, water ski, jet ski, or fish where algal scum is present
• Do not let dogs drink, eat, or lick algal scum off their fur
• Wash your dog off with clean water immediately if your dog swims or wades in water during an algal bloom.