WATER CONTACT ADVISORY – September 18, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE OF RELEASE: September 18, 2025
SUBJECT: WATER CONTACT ADVISORY
CONTACT PERSON: Craig P. Umbel, L.E.H.S., Director
TELEPHONE:  301-334-7760                                                                              

ADVISORY: 
Garrett County Health Department advises that concentrations of a blue-green algae, called Microcystis, have been found at Broadford Lake.

Blooms of blue-green algae are often identified by bright green waters, sometimes with a surface scum that resembles green paint.   These blooms may contain a naturally occurring toxin that can cause skin irritation, nausea and other effects if swallowed or with prolonged contact.

The Health Department advises individuals who are considering water contact activities such as water-skiing, swimming, etc. to avoid these areas and in general take the following precautions if algae blooms are noted:

• Do not swim in areas where a bloom of blue-green algae is evident.
• Do not drink water from an area with the appearance of a blue-green algal bloom.
• If contact is unavoidable, simply wash off with fresh water as soon as possible.
• If any skin irritation persists or any of the above symptoms develop, see a physician or healthcare provider.
• Keep pets and livestock away from bloom areas.  If your pet or livestock appears ill and may have been in contact with the bloom, questions should be directed to your veterinarian.

There is no known risk from eating fillets (muscle tissue) of healthy fish caught in bloom-affected waters.  However, you should not eat viscera (internal organs) of fish caught in blue-green algae bloom waters as toxins may concentrate within these areas.

Updated 9/18/2025 @ 10:57 a.m.