Blue-green algae bloom seen at Lake Allatoona prompts warning to take precaution
Water authority says algae can be toxic but drinking water is still safe
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A blue-green algae bloom seen in Lake Allatoona earlier this month has prompted a warning from the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority for the public to take precautions.
The water authority said Park Marina reported the bloom near the Red Top Mountain Park Marina on May 7.
Blue-green algae blooms can create a group of toxins known as cyanotoxins.
Ingesting cyanotoxins can cause various health problems and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
“There was a documented case in 2019 of a dog potentially dying from that toxin,” said Cole Blackwell, general manager at Cobb County Marietta Water Authority.
Drinking water has not been impacted, the water authority said.
“If you see a greenish tint in the water, a teal color, a reddish color…and it’s typically off the border...a very earthy smelling odor, stay away. I wouldn’t recommend swimming in that," said Blackwell.
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