Peachtree City says it has not detected any toxic blue-green (cyanobacteria) algae in its three lakes, but is telling the public what to look for because of ongoing hot weather conditions that can create algae blooms.
Elsewhere in the country, there have been recent reports of dogs dying soon after swimming in contaminated water. City Engineer Dave Borkowski provided information from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division noting that algae blooms ranging in color from blue-green to red can look like foam, scum or spilled paint on the water’s surface, usually near shore, and give off a pungent or musty smell. Anyone seeing an algae bloom should keep children and pets out of the water, avoid all contact with or consumption of untreated water, and not drive boats through it or fish from it.
Any person or animal experiencing skin irritation, vomiting or diarrhea after contact with “scummy water” should see a healthcare provider and mention possible algae exposure.
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