Blue-green algae bloom with typical “green paint” appearance. Photo (c) Delaware Department of Natural Resources.Last week it was determined by University of Georgia researchers that a toxic blue-green algae bloom containing cyanobacterium caused the deaths of three cows in Gwinnett County in May. More details can be found in this article.
In this particular case, climate conditions and other factors came together to create a tragic outcome; it’s an alarming story, but pond owners shouldn’t panic.
Our Lake Operations Manager, Evan Carpenter, notes that “we have seen and treated this type of algae; it’s not new. Particularly in the hot summer months, blooms can appear suddenly when the conditions are right.”
Both Carpenter and UGA toxicologists point out that not every algae bloom produces toxins.
“The best advice,” says Carpenter, “is to be aware of the conditions in your pond. Contact us if your water changes color, and especially if it there’s a pea-soup or green paint appearance. We can get it under control with the correct treatment.”
We also recommend the following precautions:
- Never drink or swallow unfiltered water from any waterway.
- Never cook or wash food in pond water.
- Do not swim, water ski, play, or wade in areas of obvious algae or scum.
- If you suspect the presence of an algae bloom, keep children, pets and livestock away from the water.
- Do not feed waterfowl in or near a suspected algae bloom.
- If you (or a child or pet) come in contact with suspected blue-green algae scum, wash the exposed areas thoroughly. Contact a physician and/or veterinarian if any symptoms of illness occur (i.e., skin irritation or gastrointestinal symptoms).
- Clean fish properly and follow the fish consumption guidelines from the Georgia EPD.
