Harmful Algae Bloom Advisories in Effect at Lake Anna
Adapted from a Virginia Department of Health Press Release
The Virginia Department of Health is advising those interested in recreating at Lake Anna that all portions of Pamunkey Branch, North Anna Branch, Lake Anna State Park Beach, as well as the Main Branch of Lake Anna from the “ Splits ” to the confluence of Pigeon Run above Route 208 in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania counties are experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with specific areas of the lake until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A status report containing the updated advisory areas may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 8.5.22. Swimming advisories have been issued for the following areas of the lake:
A harmful Algal Bloom Map is available through VDH ’ s website.
Pamunkey Branch • Upper – From the upper inundated waters of the Pamunkey arm of the lake downstream to the confluence with Terry ’ s Run • Middle – From the confluence of Terry ’ s Run with Pamunkey Creek downstream to Rt. 612 (Stubbs Bridge) • Terrys Run – from the upper inundated waters of the lake downstream to the confluence with Pamunkey Creek • NEW – Lower from the Rt 612 (Stubbs Bridge) downstream to near the confluence with North Anna (at the “ Splits ”), including the Lake Anna State Park Beach ” North Anna Branch • Upper – From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm of the lake downstream to the Rt. 522 Bridge • Middle – From the Rt. 522 Bridge downstream to the Lumsden Flats/Rose Valley Cove • Lower from the Lumsden Flats/Rose Valley cove downstream to just before the confluence with Pamunkey Branch (at the “ Splits ”) Lake Anna (Main Branch) • Upper from the confluence with the North Anna Branch & Pamunkey Branch (at the “ Splits ”) downstream to above the confluence with Pigeon Run (tributary along State Park) Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless, however, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or blueish - green because they are more likely to contain toxins. To prevent illness, people should: • Avoid contact with any area of the lake where water is green or an advisory sign is posted, WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT! • Not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water. • Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algae bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after coming into contact with algae scum or bloom water. • Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom. • Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs, and cooking fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish fillets are safe to eat. • Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at (888) 238 - 6154 if you suspect you ’ ve experienced health - related effects following exposure to a bloom.
For more information, please visit www.swimhealthyva.com. For information about Lake Anna Civic Association ’ s (LACA) efforts to reduce HABs, read the July 2022 issue of the Orange County Insight.
Page 11 | August, 2022
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