Warning: No Swimming in Lake Needwood Because of Toxins

From Montgomery Community Media:

Algae are producing toxins in Lake Needwood, which has prompted a warning from Montgomery County Parks officials for residents to keep their dogs out of the water, and to avoid swimming in the lake.

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 or drink from the lake.

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.