Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has extended a swimming advisory for Lake Anna as a harmful algae bloom continues. The VDH cautioned this algae bloom is not connected to the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) outbreak that occurred after Memorial Day.
According to the VDH, some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal illnesses. 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 bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.
The VDH's Harmful Algal Bloom map shows which areas to avoid, and VDH provides a status report containing the updated advisory areas.
The sections of the lake currently under a swimming advisory due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria are:
North Anna Branch (advisory extended)
- Upper North Anna Branch - From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm, to include the “Sandbar” of the lake and downstream to the Route 522 Bridge.
- Upper and Middle North Anna Branch -Â From the Route 522 Bridge, to include Route 719 (Holladay Bridge), to Lumsden Flats at Rose Valley Drive
Pamunkey Branch (advisory added)
- Upper-Upper Pamunkey Branch-Â From the upper inundated waters of Pamunkey Branch to Runnymede Park
- Upper Pamunkey Branch – From Runnymede Park to the confluence with Terry's Run
- Middle Pamunkey Branch – From confluence with Terry’s Run to Route 612 (Stubbs Bridge)
