Algal Mat Alert for Shenandoah River
The Virginia Department of Health and Lord Fairfax Health District issued an Algal Mat Alert by email for the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near Strasburg.
The affected area begins at Route 644 and continues for approximately 11.5 miles to Route 611 including the boat ramp at Deer Rapids and other public access points.
Signs have been posted along the shore and at those access points.
Recreation may continue in those areas as long as the algae mats can be avoided.
Pets and livestock are recommended to be kept out of the water to avoid the mats as they may cause gastrointestinal illnesses and skin rashes.
Cyanotoxins levels were below or just above detection levels and contact with the mats can release more toxins.
Consuming cyanotoxins can be fatal for animals.
No disturbances to the town’s drinking water have been observed at this time.
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Winchester’s water supply deemed safe
The City of Winchester has been monitoring the Harmful Algae Bloom on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.
The city received the results from their most recent tests.
The laboratory found the City’s drinking water to be completely safe and showed no signs of cyanotoxins.
Since first observing the harmful algae bloom 1.5 miles from the city’s water intake point, Winchester and the Virginia Department of Health have closely monitored water quality and optimized the treatment process to prevent health impacts from the algal bloom.
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Winchester and VDH monitor water supply
The City of Winchester and the Virginia Department of Health are closely monitoring Winchester’s water supply.
This response follows the emergence of the Harmful Algae Bloom on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.
The water is deemed safe to drink currently but it will continue to be monitored.
Harmful algae blooms can contaminate the water with cyanotoxins and anatoxin-a.
Previously, the city improved their process for removing cyanotoxins, and they are evaluating the levels of anatoxin-a at a laboratory.
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