TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH Hillsborough) issued a health alert for the presence of blue-green algal toxins in the Hillsborough River on Tuesday.

The outbreak was found from a water sample taken from the river north of Morris Bridge Road and west of I-75.

The health department says residents should exercise caution in and around this area of the Hillsborough River.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria that is common in Florida's freshwater environments. A bloom occurs when rapid growth of algae leads to an accumulation of individual cells that discolor water and often produce floating mats that emit unpleasant odors. Some environmental factors that contribute to blue-green algae blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients, according to DOH Hillsborough. 

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.


• Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.


• Keep pets away from the area. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.


• Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.


• Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.


• Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

To report an algal bloom sighting, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 855-305-3903.  For additional information on potential health effects of algal blooms, click here.