January 20, 2023

SANFORD – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has extended the Health Alert previously issued for Deep Lake (Oviedo).

The alert is in response to a water sample taken on January 17, 2023 and will be extended until February 16, 2023.

The public should exercise caution in and around Deep Lake where algal blooms are present.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the precautions listed below.

Prior Notice Below:

SANFORD – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has extended the Health Alert previously issued for Deep Lake (Oviedo). The alert is in response to a water sample taken on December 19, 2022 and will be extended until January 18, 2023. The public should exercise caution in and around Deep Lake where algal blooms are present. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
• Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.
• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.