Hints of the blue-green algae that often emerge in Reston’s lakes during the summer have been spotted at Lake Audubon.
“We have learned that a small amount of blue-green algae has been observed at Lake Audubon,” Reston Association said in an alert and social media posts sent out this morning. “RA Watershed staff are monitoring the potentially harmful algae.”
The algae’s presence right now appears to be minimal compared to the blooms that have been reported in previous years.
However, RA is still advising community members to avoid any contact with the lake water by humans or pets. Anyone who does touch the water should rinse off immediately, the association says.
Swimming in Reston’s man-made lakes is always prohibited, but no limits are being placed on boating or fishing at the moment.
“Please continue to follow the direction of signage posted at lake access points,” RA said. “Questions or comments can be directed to watershed@reston.org.”
Though algae is generally harmless, blue-green algae are cyanobacteria that can be toxic when ingested, potentially causing skin rashes, tingling or burning, coughing, and stomach issues, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
An algal bloom — which occurs when the bacteria proliferate in a concentrated area — was identified in Burke Lake last month, prompting the Fairfax County Park Authority to warn people to stay away from the water “until further notice.”
The park authority announced on June 25 that the high concentrations of algae in the lake had dissipated. Burke Lake, like its Reston counterparts, is always off-limits from swimming by both humans and pets.
A Nature study published in 2023 found that climate change may be affecting the frequency and locations of algal blooms. Blue-green algae thrive in places with warm water and plentiful sunlight and nutrients, especially phosphorus, which can be found in fertilizers, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
