The Virginia Department of Health has expanded the swimming advisory for part of Lake Anna and added another area of the lake to the advisory because of harmful algae blooms.
It’s just the latest in a series of unfortunate events at the popular summertime destination that has had a rough start to the season this year after three drownings, a pair of boating accidents resulting in numerous injuries and a bacterial outbreak over the Memorial Day weekend that sickened more than two dozen people.
The health department said in a statement Monday that, based on samples collected on July 16, the advisory for the North Anna Branch will remain in place but now includes a wider area. The upper section, from the upper arm of the branch to the so-called Sandbar and Route 522 bridge, was originally put under the advisory in June. The additional area includes the middle branch in the areas of Route 719 and the Lumsden Flats at Rose Valley Drive.
The department also added the upper and middle sections of the Pamunkey Branch to the advisory.
The health department warned swimmers to avoid the harmful algae, which also can harm animals.
The 13,000-acre manmade Lake Anna, which cools the nearby Dominion Energy nuclear power plant, is a popular summer spot.
It has been plagued by harmful algae blooms and no-swim advisories since 2018.
In 2022, the lake was added to the state’s list of impaired waterways because of the algae blooms.
Harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can appear when nitrogen and phosphorus pollution combine with warm water temperatures. The toxins can cause a skin rash, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The blue-green algae can affect people and pets alike.
The Lake Anna Civic Association is leading state-backed work aimed at ridding the lake of the harmful algae.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com
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