WHEATON-GLENMONT, Md. — Residents of Montgomery County, be advised: harmful blue-green algae has been detected in Lake Needwood and Lake Frank within Rock Creek Regional Park, posing serious health risks to both humans and pets.
Officials urge anyone visiting the lakes to be cautious.
On Friday, we found Raphael Babay trying out a new hobby at Lake Needwood: fishing.
“I didn’t have anything to do at home," he said. "So I thought, ‘Why not come to Lake Needwood and see if I could catch anything?’”
But when he arrived he saw the signs: “Warning avoid contact with the water.”
Water samples from both lakes are currently being evaluated by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to determine if levels are harmful.
"I do know there’s been an algae problem here for years," he said.
Key Concerns:
- Visual Indicators: Discolored water and algal mats are visible in parts of both lakes.
- Potential Harm: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can produce toxic microcystin, posing risks to humans and pets if ingested.
“As a precautionary measure, we are alerting the public of the risks associated with potentially high levels of cyanobacteria in these lakes,” said Matt Harper, natural resources manager with Montgomery Parks.
Visitor Guidelines:
- Avoid Water Contact: Boating and fishing are allowed, but avoid direct water contact. Swimming is prohibited.
- Dog Safety: Keep dogs on a leash and away from the water. Park rules already prohibit dogs from swimming in the lakes.
- Post-Exposure Care: Rinse pets with clean water if they contact lake water or algae, and seek veterinary care if needed. Wash hands thoroughly after contact with the water.
Montgomery Parks has posted signs around both lakes and along access trails to inform visitors.
Friday afternoon, the algae blooms had dissipated at Lake Needwood. David Quintanilla, Rock Creek Regional Park manager, said the cooler temperatures and rain led the algae blooms to dissipate. However, he said the harmful bacteria still lives under the surface.
“Portions of both lakes may be contaminated for the rest of the season. We will continue to monitor and remove signs when the warning is lifted,” Quintanilla said.
Quintanilla added that exposure to the water is not a matter of 'life or death.' But, he pointed out you should wash off if you come into contact with it. Same thing with pets.
If you are fishing like Babay, do not eat the fish you catch.
For updates, visit MontgomeryParks.org.
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