Walnut Creek Park just south of Charlottesville will be closed to swimmers Memorial Day weekend after harmful algae bloom was reported in the waters there.
Swimming will be prohibited at the park starting this Saturday and until further notice, according to Albemarle County. Hiking, boating and fishing at the park will still be permitted.
Harmful algae is becoming increasingly common in Virginia waterways and elsewhere due to rising temperatures and pollution. For the past several summers, parts of nearby Lake Anna have had to be closed to swimmers due to algae bloom.
Called cyanobacteria, harmful algae can appear when nitrogen and phosphorus pollution combine with warm water temperatures. The toxins can cause skin rash, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The blue-green algae can affect people and pets alike. Elderly adults, children and those with weaker immune systems can be especially susceptible.
Boiling water does not remove the toxins, as the algae prefers warmer waters.
The bloom at Walnut Creek was first reported Monday.
Although there have not been any reported health problems, the Albemarle County Department of Parks and Recreation will keep the park closed until the algae is no longer present.
Chris Greene Lake Park and Mint Springs Valley Park will remain open. Neither park has been reported to have any harmful algae, and they will continue to operate as normal over the Memorial Day weekend.
If a person comes into contact with harmful algae, they are encouraged to wash the affected area with soap and an alternate source of water immediately. Those exposed should contact a health care provider if they experience confusion, diarrhea or vomiting. Symptoms usually take about a week to show.
Fishing is also discouraged in waters where algae is in bloom. Fish that consume the algae are unsafe to eat.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com