Visitors to Herrington Lake in central Kentucky are encouraged to use caution due to a recent algae bloom. The bloom is currently impacting at least two areas of the lake. Those areas include Paradise Camp and Redgate, which is near Tanyard Branch.
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet issued a warning because the algae could potentially cause skin, eye, and throat irritation. There may be issues with breathing or various stomach problems.
The Fourth of July holiday is just a week away and many people might be considering heading to Herrington Lake. Melanie Arnold is an environmental scientist consultant with the Division of Water. She said there are some tell-tale signs of algae people can look for.
“Looks like they have a visible scum, or the water is discolored, maybe it looks like a paint spill, or maybe has some green streaks. We recommend they avoid those areas.”
She said they might want to limit some of their activities.
“We are recommending that they avoid recreational activities such as swimming, wading, water skiing, paddling, jet skiing, those activities that create spray in those areas we've identified on our HAB viewer as being above our advisory level.”
She said the advisory is only in those two areas of the lake. Herrington Lake is over 2,300 acres and stretches for 35 miles.
Anyone who is out on the water and happens to see an algae bloom, which usually appears as bright green in the water or similar to a paint spill, is encouraged to report it to the Kentucky Division of Water.
More information about the algae bloom and the Division of Waters' HAB viewers, which show the location of the impacted areas, can be found here.
