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St. Johns Riverkeeper says toxic algae is 300 times higher than recreational safe limit

JACKSONVILLE —

The Florida Department of Health in Duval County and the North Florida nonprofit St. Johns Riverkeeper are issuing separate health alerts for toxic levels of blue-green algae in the St. Johns River.

Water samples taken by the FDOH between Sept. 30 and Oct. 4 prompted its latest alert near the following locations:

• St. Johns River – Dames Point Bridge

• St. Johns River – St. Johns Marina, Jacksonville

• St. Johns River – South end of Hart Bridge

• St. Johns River – Canal to Marco Lake

• St. Johns River – Marina Ortega Landing

• St. Johns River – St. Vincent Riverside

But samples taken by the St. Johns Riverkeeper tell a far more serious story. The nonprofit says its latest samples found toxin levels up to 300 times the recreational safe limit for microcystins, a class of toxins produced by certain freshwater cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the recommended human health recreational water quality criteria is 8 micrograms per liter (ug/L) total microcystins.

All five samples tested by Greenwater Labs contained toxins far in excess of what is considered safe for swimming and recreation. The samples were collected at the following locations on Sept. 27 and 28:

• St. Johns River at St. Vincent’s Hospital 1,060 ug/L

• St. Johns at the end of Seminole Road in Avondale 2,415 ug/L

• Trout River near Highway 17/Main Street Bridge 54.8 ug/L

• St. Johns River at River Road in San Marco 615 ug/L

• Mouth of Craig Creek in San Marco (9/28) 491 ug/L

The St. Johns Riverkeeper says additional test results differ dramatically from samples recently taken by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) at similar locations.

St. Johns River at St. Vincent’s Hospital 3.9 ug/L

St. Johns – Canal to Marco Lake in San Marco 24  ug/L

Mouth of Craig Creek (9/23) 1.5 ug/L

Excessive nutrients from fertilizers, manure, industrial wastewater, and failing septic tanks can stimulate the growth of toxic algae blooms. The blooms block sunlight from reaching submerged aquatic plants and clog fish gills. As blooms die and decompose, oxygen levels are depleted causing fish to die, which can produce additional harmful toxins.

Algae blooms look like bright green, paint-like scum on the surface of the water.

To help prevent exposure to you and others:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.

• Wash skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae, or discolored or smelly water.

• Keep pets away from the area. Algae blooms are not safe for animals, including livestock.

• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.

• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

How do toxic blooms affect my health?

Toxins produced by the blooms can be very dangerous, depending on concentration levels and pathways of exposure. Symptoms include rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and respiratory irritation. High exposure can affect the liver and nervous system.

What do I do if I see an algal bloom?

“We encourage citizens to continue to report blooms to FDEP. It is critical that these blooms are documented, so state agencies can better understand the extent of the problem and the urgent need to reduce the amount of nutrient pollution that is entering our waterways,” says St. Johns Riverkeeper spokesperson Lisa Rinaman.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection collects and analyzes algal bloom samples. To report a bloom to DEP, call the toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903 or report online.

You can also report to St. Johns Riverkeeper at report@sjrk.org.

How can I help prevent algae blooms?

The Riverkeeper says people can help prevent algae blooms and nutrient pollution by limiting the use of fertilizers, picking up dog waste, maintaining septic tanks, and reaching out to their elected officials to demand protective policies to reduce nutrient loading in our waterways.

What do I do if I’ve been exposed to toxic algae?

Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center, call 1-800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately.

If skin contact occurs, wash off immediately and thoroughly with clean water and soap.

How do I get involved?

The St. Johns Riverkeeper has multiple volunteer opportunities for anyone interested. You can find read more about them here.

For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, visit floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/aquatic-toxins.


Samantha Mathers

Samantha Mathers, Action News Jax

Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax.