Avoid Lake Silver after algae bloom, Orlando officials say

A recent algae bloom has resulted in “potentially unsafe concentrations of toxins in Lake Silver,” City of Orlando officials said, and they advise people to avoid the lake.

Water samples taken from the lake near College Park on Tuesday showed an increased presence of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, that can produce toxins called microcystins, according to the Streets and Stormwater Division of the City of Orlando.

Officials discourage swimming, recreating, or irrigating in or from Lake Silver until the city issues an update.

Algae is naturally occurring and its presence is part of a the life cycle of a healthy body of water. When certain conditions occur — increased nutrients, warm water, and low water flow — certain types of algae can grow in excess, the division said.

Blue-green algae, like the type found in Lake Silver, can produce toxins that pose a health risk as cells in the algae die, and increased amounts of this algae raise the risk of these toxins’ presence. Algae bloom toxicity is hard to assess, the division said.

Harmful algae blooms usually last three to five months and are typical in late summer and early fall, according to the Florida Department of Health. When these blooms decompose, they release an odor that can smell like rotten eggs due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide.

City officials encourage residents to sign up for Lake Alerts at orlando.gov/lakealert.

krice@orlandosentinel.com