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Aug. 18, 2011
Persons are advised to avoid swimming at Broadford Lake in Mtn. Lake Park today because of the growth of blue-green algae, according to Steve Sherrard of the Environmental Health Division of the Garrett County Health Department.
This is an advisory, not a posting of a complete closing. If persons opt to swim in the water, they should follow certain precautions outlined below.
Blooms of algae, called microcystis aeruginosa, have been observed in Broadford Lake, the officials reported. These blooms appear as a greenish substance floating on the water’s surface. Sherrard said the algae thrives in hot weather, which the county has experienced this month. While a few cold nights appeared to have stopped the growth, a tester from the health department went out this morning and spotted the algae again on the surface.
Persons should not swim in the water where these blooms are visible. They should not drink, swallow, or inhale the water. Pets should be kept away from the water.
If water contact occurs, persons should be sure to wash off with fresh water.
According to a press release from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the following have been reported where blue-green algae blooms are present in recreational waters:
Contact with water may cause either irritation or allergic reactions of the skin.
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