Lake Needwood Warning
Montgomery Parks officials are asking residents to use caution when recreating on or near Lake Needwood.
Testing has shown there are elevated levels of microcystin, a toxic substance produced by some species of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), in the 75-acre lake.
Microcystin, hepatoxin, can cause harm to the liver of humans and pets. Of particular concern are dogs that are off-leash and may swim and/or drink from the lake, despite park regulations.
Montgomery Parks officials are asking visitors to take the following precautions:
• Keep dogs on leash (as is regularly required at the park), and do not allow them to drink or go in the water
• Swimming is prohibited in the lake at all times
• Wash hands thoroughly if they come in contact with the water
• Only eat properly cooked muscle meat of fish that are caught in the lake
Officials said boating and fishing will remain open at the lake.
“We have posted signs around Lake Needwood and urge visitors to please pay attention to these precautions to avoid any harm from microcystin,” said Jai Cole, Natural Resources Manager for Montgomery Parks. “Portions of the lake may be contaminated for the rest of the season. We will continue to monitor and update signs when the warning is lifted.”
For updates or more information, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
Related:
Lake Needwood Warning Could Remain Through Fall (Video)
Swimming at Montgomery Parks’ Lake Needwood has always been off limits, but park officials warn that elevated levels of a toxic bacteria found in the water right now can also make you sick. The parks department issued the warning in late July and it could stay up until November depending on the amount of rainfall […]
Lake Needwood Warning
Montgomery Parks officials are asking residents to use caution when recreating on or near Lake Needwood. Testing has shown there are elevated levels of microcystin, a toxic substance produced by some species of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), in the 75-acre lake. Microcystin, hepatoxin, can cause harm to the liver of humans and pets. Of particular concern […]
You should call my brother who is coming back to MD Aug 1st, he is an algae expert