Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are actually a group of photosynthetic bacteria that many people refer to as “pond scum.” Most species are buoyant and will float to the surface. Blue-green algae are present in all Florida freshwater lakes and ponds but can grow very quickly in number when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen. Nutrients can be carried into water bodies as a result of many human activities, including agriculture, discharge of stormwater or sewage, and use of phosphorus-based fertilizers and detergents.

The Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees and staff members serve to protect the freshwater resources of Lake County. Recently staff coordinated several water quality projects with Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. to analyze surface water runoff and groundwater seepage entering Lake Minneola. It is anticipated the 12-month study will identify a source of nutrients contributing to the blue-green algae bloom. If a source is identified the LCWA will coordinate with local county and city governments to develop a scope of work to reduce the number of nutrients entering the lake.

In addition, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) is conducting a pilot-scale project funded by the state’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force to monitor and treat cyanobacteria in Lake Minneola from September 2020 to February 2021. The project will utilize LakeGuard^® which is a new surface applied, slow-release, hydrogen peroxide-based product that kills blue-green algae cells when it comes into contact at the water’s surface. In the event algae, populations reach unacceptable thresholds an initial treatment would occur, followed by additional treatments as necessary. Data collected would be posted on the SJRWMD website to keep the public informed of the project’s progress. Residents noticing an alga bloom occurring on Lake Minneola are requested to email minneola@bgtechs.com. A rapid response team would be available to quickly reply to the inquiry and assess the situation.

While these studies may identify sources of pollution and help control blue-green algae blooms, maintaining the pristine waters in Lake Minneola and other waterbodies on the Clermont Chain of Lakes,  Lake County residents need to join in promoting healthy lakes. Minimize fertilizer use and follow the guidelines in Lake County’s fertilizer ordinance to observe a no-fertilizer zone within 15 feet of water bodies and adding an additional 15 feet as a low maintenance zone.  Together we all make a difference.

For more information on the Lake County Water Authority’s programs, visit www.lcwa.org or call 352-324-6141.

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Do you know what an algae bloom is?  Algae bloom is a rapid accumulation of algae in freshwater. There are various factors that can cause algae bloom such as

Stormwater Run-Off – precipitation falls, runs across hard surfaces such as rooftops, sidewalks and roads and carries pollutants, including nitrogen and phosphorus, into local waterways.

Wastewater (sewer and septic systems not operating properly), fertilizers, pet waste and certain soaps and detergents that contain nitrogen and phosphorus.  All these can carry nutrients directly into our lakes and reservoirs.

Can algae bloom cause serious health problems?  

The harmful effects of algae bloom is due to the toxins they produce from using up oxygen in the water. An algae bloom can affect the entire ecosystem. It can lead to fish die-offs.

Not all algae blooms are harmful, some only produce discoloring water, a smelly odor, and may add a bad taste to the water.

However, algae bloom can also produce serious health problems.

 It can produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken people; kill pets/wildlife/fish; create dead zones in the water; raise treatment costs for drinking water; hurt industries that depend on clean water.

Algae bloom causes rashes, stomach or liver illness, respiratory problems, and neurological effects.

What’s Happening on Lake Minneola?

A few weeks ago, I began experiencing severe headaches, shortness of breath, runny nose and burning eyes. I thought I was developing an allergy. At first, I blamed my cats! Now I don’t think my cats are the problem…Sorry cats.

When I walk out my backdoor, I smell a strange earthy odor wafting off the lake. I can’t open my windows because my eyes and nose become even more irritated and my breathing more strained.  Instead of gazing at the beautiful deep blue waters, I see murky green waters lapping on the shoreline. I’ve lived on Lake Minneola for nearly 50 years and know my lake. I’ve played, boated and swam in the beautiful, clean, clear lake and not once have I seen Lake Minneola in its present, unhealthy condition.

I spent 6 hours yesterday on the phone talking with Lake and State departments about algae bloom. My first call was to The Lake County Aquatic Plant Management Department. I was assured that the Imazamox that was recently sprayed on the lakefront was for water primrose, has been used for 5 years, and would not have caused an algae bloom. The next call I made was to the Lake County Health Department. I was told the lake’s water was not a problem they deal with. The Lake County Water Lab didn’t take ownership of the problem either. I was told The Lab has no way of detecting a toxin in the lake unless they know what to test for.

Finally some useful information – A call to the Florida Department of Environment Protection provided some useful information which I’m passing on to my readers.  I encourage everyone to visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to learn more about algae blooms and report the location of an algae bloom. I found three algae blooms recently reported on Lake Minneola, there will be four reported once I complete my findings.

What Can Be Done To Help Save The Clermont Chain Of Lakes?

Everyone should be aware and protective of our ecosystem. It’s fragile.

The City of Clermont has a huge stake in the condition of the Clermont Chain of Lakes and needs to remain vigilant and actively involved in preserving the quality of the lakes. The city recently celebrated the opening of its new boat ramp on the southeast corner of Lake Minneola, Lake County Rowers Association has its boathouse on the southwest corner of the Lake. Sommer Sports bring thousands of athletes to swim/run and bike in and along the shoreline, and many activities are enjoyed at the Hiawatha Preserve, Victory Pointe, and Clermont Waterfront Park.

The Lake County Water Authority is meeting on February 26, 3:30 pm in the Board of County Commissioners Chambers in the Administration Building, 315 West Main Street, Tavares. Everyone who believes in keeping the quality of our lakes safe and healthy is encouraged to attend and request to have an independent lab take samples from Lake Minneola and try to figure out the source of the algae bloom.

Have you ever seen an algae bloom? Visit Lake Minneola and see it firsthand.

Resident and visitor reports are an important tool in helping DEP identify potential harmful algal blooms in public waters. Report a new algae bloom by clicking on the link Algae Bloom 

The post What Is An Algae Bloom And What’s It Doing To Lake Minneola? appeared first on South Lake Tablet.