Blue-Green Algae Blooms and Public Health
The task force concluded that public health issues as they relate to blue-green algae blooms are an increasing concern in Florida, though the science bearing on those concerns is quite limited and is developing over time. They noted an urgent need for studies to address acute and chronic health effects of exposure for humans, wildlife and domesticated animals to algal toxins. An essential component of such studies is access to quantitative data on algal toxins in water, sediments and air.
Click on each recommendation below to learn about state actions taken to address it.
Recommendations
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Incorporation of regular and proactive sampling for algal toxins into existing and future water quality sampling/monitoring programs.
DEP and water management districts have expanded sampling through SFWMD and SJRWMD areas to increase the number of sample sites and the frequency of routine HAB monitoring. Additionally, DEP now proactively samples for HABs and toxins in larger waterbodies based on likelihood of a projected bloom and responds to algal bloom reports.
DEP now includes cyanotoxin analyses in its status monitoring program for canals, streams, rivers and large lakes.
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Issuance of defensible health advisories by DOH.
The state of Florida issues health alerts for any cyanotoxin detection, rather than a set minimum standard of 8 µg/L for microcystin and 15 µg/L cylindrospermopsin as proposed by EPA. Further, the state utilizes a visual bloom threshold instead of a numeric standard to issue a caution notice. This precautionary approach better protects the public.
DOH’s public health alert notifications are distributed as press releases, and are published on their main website, as well as the applicable, individual DOH county websites.
DEP has developed English and Spanish permanent physical educational signs about algal blooms. To date, over 165 of these signs have been distributed to Florida State Parks, SJRWMD, SFWMD, and local governments for deployment in areas where recreational users may encounter algal blooms. The signage is available online in English, Spanish and Creole.
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Establishment of defensible water quality criteria by the DEP.
DEP is drafting revised language in Chapter 62-303, F.A.C., that would specify how water would be added to the Planning List based on the number of days that it was under a public health notification for cyanotoxins. Waters placed on the Planning List would then be monitored to determine if they should be placed on the Impaired Waters List due to excess nutrients as the causative pollutant(s).
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Coordination by DOH and DEP on the development and implementation of a transparent, consistent and comprehensive communication plan that recognizes the diverse population in Florida to better inform the public about potential health impacts associated with exposure to algae and/or algal toxins.
DEP, in coordination with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and DOH, has established multiple channels of information distribution to the public to maintain effective transparency and public knowledge.
DEP provides email and SMS text message notifications for important updates pertaining to blue-green algae and red tide, such as when bloom conditions are observed or if toxins are detected. Subscribers can receive alerts specific to their areas of interest and select the frequency of their preferred notifications.
Residents and visitors can also obtain real-time information about water quality conditions at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov. This website is updated daily and combines data on water quality, blue-green algae and red tide from statewide monitoring networks to bring the most accurate, transparent and updated information to its users.
Protecting Florida Together includes:
- A statewide water quality map with water quality status and information on safe water conditions.
- A project map that provides information on water quality restoration projects statewide.
- A preference center that provides multiple communication options.
- Resources on important water quality topics like HABs, blue-green algae, red tide, sources of nutrients, and others.
DEP and DOH also developed a Cyanobacteria Response Coordination Plan to identify each agency's responsibilities as it relates to cyanobacteria bloom response. Learn more about that process.