PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Philadelphia District is reminding visitors to Prompton Dam and State Park to be aware of the potential for blue-green algae in the lake and the potential for harmful toxins to be present.
Visitors are advised to be alert for harmful algal bloom conditions and to avoid contact with discolored water or scum. Algal blooms occur annually, however environmental and lake conditions during the summer season enable the algal blooms to become potentially harmful.
To protect yourself, your family, and your pets from blue-green algae blooms:
- Avoid water contact in areas where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water’s surface.
- Children and pets are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of the toxins produced by blue-green algae. Do not allow children or pets to play in or drink scummy water.
- If you have contact with water that might contain harmful cyanobacteria, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible afterwards.
Resources/more information:
UPDATE on September 6, 2022: The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection conducted sampling on Aug. 25 and the potential remains for blue-green algae and associated harmful toxins in portions of the lake. Visitors are advised to be alert for harmful algal bloom conditions and to avoid contact with discolored water or scum.
Release no. 22-018