Never drink untreated water or swim with cuts or open wounds. Natural waters such as rivers, lakes, and oceans have germs and contaminants, which can cause illness.vomiting or have diarrhea.
Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water and keep pets out as well. This may indicate an algal bloom and some algae produce toxins that can make people sick.Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Germs can come from overflowing sewage, polluted stormwater and runoff from land.
Properly dispose of human waste by discharging boat sewage at marinas with a pump-out unit or dump station.The health department advised people and pets to avoid swimming, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and other activities that risk ingesting water. Boating is allowed with proper precaution in trouble spots, the department said.
Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients mix, health officials said. They warned people to avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.Generally, advisories lift after two consecutive tests showing acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration, and the first test is set for July 15, officials said.