Media Release

This press release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health Department.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Health Department is asking the public to be aware that an algal bloom has been identified in the Santa Fe River near High Springs between the Highway 27 bridge and upstream of Poe Springs in Alachua County.

On May 21, 2012, the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department collected water samples which contained the algae Anabaena circinalis. In Florida, this algae has not been confirmed to produce toxins and health effects have not been documented in the past. The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Environmental Protection will continue to coordinate monitoring activities for this algal bloom.  

The Alachua County Health Department recommends avoiding contact with any visible algal blooms, participating in recreational activities including fishing, or drinking the water when there is the following:

• An algal bloom has been identified
• Water appears greenish or off color
• Water has an foul odor
• Dead or distressed animals are spotted

If there is contact with an algal bloom, wash with fresh water and soap, and avoid swallowing or inhaling water. Keep pets out of the water. If a pet has entered water where a bloom is located, do not let them drink the water, eat pond scum, or lick their fur.

For additional health information on harmful algal blooms, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website.

If citizens are experiencing health effects, they should contact their local health provider or the Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-7930.