Toxic Algae Bloom Advisory Lifted For Parts Of Lake Anna

While residents are still encouraged to think twice about entering many parts of Lake Anna, the Virginia Department of Health lifted a swimming advisory this week for two portions of the lake. Samples collected on Sept. 10 and 17 at Lake Anna State Park Beach and near the Rt. 208 bridge indicated that potentially harmful algae — or cyanobacteria — concentrations and toxins were below safe levels.

Since July, many parts of the lake have consistently contained toxic algae exceeding safe swimming levels. The Upper to Middle portion of Pamunkey Branch, the North Anna Branch as well as the Main Branch of Lake Anna from the “Splits” to the confluence of Pigeon Run above Route 208 in Orange, all remain under advisory. Louisa and Spotsylvania counties are still experiencing a harmful algae bloom.

Swimming advisories are still in effect for the following areas of the lake:

Pamunkey Branch

• Upper - From the upper inundated waters of the Pamunkey arm of the lake downstream to the confluence with Terry’s Run
• Middle - From the confluence of Terry’s Run with Pamunkey Creek downstream to Rt. 612 (Stubbs Bridge)
• Terrys Run - from the upper inundated waters of the lake downstream to the confluence with Pamunkey Creek

North Anna Branch (no changes from prior advisory)

• Upper - From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm of the lake downstream to the Rt. 522 Bridge
• Middle - From the Rt. 522 Bridge downstream to the Lumsden Flats/Rose Valley Cove
• Lower from the Lumsden Flats/Rose Valley cove downstream to just before the confluence with Pamunkey Branch (at the “Splits”)

Lake Anna (Main Branch, no change from prior advisory)

• Upper from the confluence with the North Anna Branch and Pamunkey Branch (at the “Splits”) downstream to above the confluence with Pigeon Run (tributary along State Park)

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 algae can affect people and animals by causing skin and respiratory irritations, as well as producing chemicals that are toxic when untreated water is consumed. People are encouraged to avoid discolored water or scums that are green or blueish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.

Here are some precautions to use when you see blue-green algae, according to Virginia public health officials:

• 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.
• If you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom, seek medical/veterinarian care.
• To ensure fish fillets are safe to eat, properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs, and cooking fish to the proper temperature.
• If you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom, contact the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154.

SEE ALSO:

Toxic Algae Bloom Advisory Issued For Spotsylvania County Lake

3 Dogs Die After Swimming In NC Pond With Toxic Algae Bloom