Florida Department of Health: Elevated levels of toxic algae in Doctors Lake

The Florida Department of Health has issued a warning about algae blooms in Clay County.

The latest release shows elevated levels of toxins have been detected in Doctors Lake.

Earlier this month, Sky Action News Jax flew over the lake and spotted patches of the toxic algae.

Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole reports how this could turn into an outbreak.

The Florida Department of Health wants you to be careful during your next trip to Doctors Lake.

They said elevated levels of toxic algae have been found.

"When there’s toxins present, it can be highly dangerous for anyone coming into contact with it,” said Lisa Rinaman with the St. Johns Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the St. Johns River.

Cole spoke to one boater who says it won't discourage him from taking his boat out on the water, but he said he will still take this precaution: "I just warn people when I take them on my boat, that there's high algae content, or whatever, in the lake at this point,” Michael Pitcher said.

Rinaman said the blue-green algae can be found in freshwater and saltwater.

The Florida Department of Health says it can also be found in mixed “brackish” water.

If someone comes in contact with water containing algae, it can lead to short-term and long-term health effects for humans and wildlife.

"If you see green algae, do not swim in it, do not boat in it, don’t eat fish you're catching out of it,” Rinaman said.

Even if you can't see it on the surface, the algae can still be present in the water.

That is why if someone does see it, Rinaman said it's important to stay away from it.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection most recently tested four areas of  Doctors Lake on July 26.

Results from these four areas show levels of less than one microgram per liter.

The EPA says anything higher than four is a health risk.

But when warm water and increased nutrients mix, that can all change.

“Too much nitrogen and phosphorus coming from wastewater treatment facilities, fertilizers we put on our yards, failing septic tanks -- and so that fuels the green algae we see. It also fuels red tide,” Rinaman said.

Rinaman said the most important thing you can do to help is to report it to the state or the St. Johns Riverkeeper when you see it.

Click here to learn more about how you can become river-friendly.

Cox Media Group