Algal mat alert lifted in Strasburg

The Virginia Department of Health lifted the Algal Mat alerts for the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near the Town of Strasburg for the season.

The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Task Force suspends operation at the end of October each year as the recreational swimming season ends.

The cooling of water temperatures naturally lowers the concentration of cyanobacteria.

Suspending HAB Task Force response during the cooler months also allows for the conservation of resources to focus on peak recreational use.

The original mat alert began north of Strasburg near Route 644 and continued 11.5 miles near Route 611.

For more information on harmful algal blooms and their effects, click here.