MADISON, Fla. (WTXL) — Lake Francis in Madison is being tested for blue green algae after an algal bloom was reported to the Florida Department of Health.
In a Facebook post, the City of Madison said an algal bloom on Lake Francis was reported to the Department of Health on Wednesday, prompting its water to be tested for the presence of toxic Blue Green Algae.
If toxins are detected after lab tests from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, DOH and the Bureau of Environmental Health will be notified and may issue a health alert.
In the meantime, the City of Madison said it will post caution signs warning residents about the potential toxins and informing them about Blue Green Algae.
Blue green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) can grow in many of Florida’s water bodies. Large concentration, called blooms, can change the water color to blue, green, brown, orange or red.
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.
Recently, blue green algae has gotten national attention after several recent reports of dogs dying after they were exposed to the bacteria's toxins.
