06/13/2026
WARNING .June 12, 2026 It looks like we may have Blue-Green Algae in Jackson Lake (several other lakes in Georgia already have it identified in them according to EPD). The EPD Watershed Office will send someone out in the next few days to verify. This Algae is very toxic and is extremely dangerous for humans and pets, SEE Below.
Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria) can be highly toxic to humans. While not all blooms are toxic, certain species produce potent toxins—such as nerve toxins and liver toxins—that can cause severe illness, including skin irritation, respiratory distress, and liver damage, when touched, inhaled, or swallowed.
Common Symptoms
Health effects can range from mild irritations to severe medical emergencies, depending on the type of toxin and level of exposure:
Skin/Eye Contact: Rashes, hives, blisters, and red or irritated eyes.
Inhalation: Sore throat, coughing, or hay fever-like symptoms from breathing in airborne water droplets.
Ingestion: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, liver damage or neurological issues.
Important Safety Tips
Avoid contact: Never swim, boat, or fish in water where you see visible blooms, foam, scums, or discolored water.
Do not boil: Boiling contaminated water does not destroy or remove cyanotoxins; it can actually concentrate them.
Keep pets safe: Pets are highly vulnerable to blue-green algae poisoning. Never let animals drink from or swim in affected water
