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Non-toxic green algae bloom ?found in city reservoir

Charlotte Sun - 4/11/2018

A non-toxic form of green algae blooms have been discovered in the Shell Creek Reservoir, a source of drinking water for Punta Gorda citizens. According to Lucia Ross, city communications manager, the city will have it cleaned out in about two days and the algae is not harmful to humans or animals.

“It usually happens this time of year,” said Ross. “It came earlier than normal this year due to the dry weather.”

Staff is working to treat the water at the plant as well as kill the algae in the reservoir.

“This condition is expected to improve within the next couple of days and perhaps sooner if the area experiences significant rainfall,” said Utilities Department Director Tom Jackson.

If it were red algae than the city would have more issues to deal with, but Jackson said that the green algae is not toxic like the red blooms.

According to city staff, citizens may notice an unusual taste or odor in their tap water but stress that it is not harmful to humans or animals.

“I haven’t personally even noticed a difference,” said Ross. If an odor or smell is apparent, Ross said to let the water run for a short time to flush the tap.