Edgewater, FL - Signs warning of blue-green algae and the possibility of toxins in the water are up at three Edgewater parks. The signs are up at Menard May, Veterans and the boat ramp at George R. Kennedy Memorial. Florida Department of Health - Volusia County Communications Manager Holly Smith said blue-green algae is found in all types of water. The problem is when it releases toxins. She said that if water with toxins is ingested, you could suffer gastrointestinal issues. If the water is stirred up, the toxins can become a fine spray. Inhaling the spray could cause neurological problems
Smith said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection saw that there is increased algae in the waterway leading to Three Sisters directly east of Veterans Park on the other side of the island that's along the Intracoastal Waterway. The DEP collected two samples at that time. One will tell them what type of algae is in the water. The second sample will tell them if the algae bloom is producing toxins. Smith said at this time, there's no evidence that toxins are in the water there.
The warning signs are up as a precautionary measure but they do suggest you should not swim in the area where they are posted. If you do go in the water, avoid getting it in your eyes, nose or mouth. Shellfish from the location should not be eaten and fish fillets should be rinsed with tap or bottled water. The signs also suggest keeping pets and livestock away from the water where signs are posted.
Smith said if the test results come back from the DEP suggesting there are toxins in the water, signs using stronger language will be posted, telling people to stay out of the water. She said that the protocol calls for the signs to stay up through the end of summer after the waters cool down whether the test results show toxins or not.
The DEP offers a link on their website that allows residents to stay updated on testing, accessing lab results, bloom information and how to report a bloom. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report algal blooms through the Department's hotline at 1-855-305-3903 or through the online reporting system.
