Harmful algae bloom leads to health advisory for T. Howard Duckett Reservoir

MARYLAND (7News) — WSSC Water has detected high concentrations of blue green algae (cyanobacteria), known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) in the Howard T Duckett reservoir, and has issued a health advisory.

The reservoir, located along the Patuxent River in Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard counties, serves as a drinking water source for WSSC Water and a recreational area for hiking, fishing and boating.

Despite these algal blooms, the drinking water will not be affected and as a precaution, WSSC Water is closely monitoring water quality conditions at the corresponding Patuxent Water Filtration Plant.

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While in a health advisory, recreational areas will remain open and boating and fishing will still be permitted, however there are some health risks that can occur when coming into contact with cyanobacteria.

WSSC warns of the following:

• Cyanobacteria and their toxins can cause skin irritation and rashes. Any body part that comes in contact with reservoir water should be rinsed with drinking water.
• Do not consume fish livers or digestive organs from fish caught in the reservoir. If you catch a fish in the reservoir, wash the fillets thoroughly with drinking water.
• Do not allow pets to swim in or drink the water (prohibited at all times).

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The advisory will remain in effect for at least one month.

The water and algae will be monitored regularly, and once the concentration levels are low enough, the advisory will be lifted.