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Water-Related News

Seminole County Dept. of Health extends Health Alert for Lake Jesup

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August 22, 2023

SANFORD – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has extended the Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Jesup. The alert is in response to a water sample taken on August 17, 2023 and is in effect through September 16, 2023. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Jesup where algal blooms are present.

The public should continue to take the precautions listed below.


Original notice follows:

July 28, 2023

SANFORD – The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Jesup. The alert is in response to a water sample taken on July 26, 2023. The public should exercise caution in and around Lake Jesup 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 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 Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
  • Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is 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