Pet owners urged to keep dogs out of the lakes; boating and fishing remain open.
WHEATON, Md.—Montgomery Parks urges patrons to use caution when recreating on or near Lake Needwood and Lake Frank located within Rock Creek Regional Park due to potential risks associated with high levels of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Water samples from both lakes are currently being evaluated by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to determine if levels are harmful. Visual indicators including discolored water and algal mats have been observed in portions of both lakes. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can produce dangerous levels of toxic microcystin (accessible PDF) .
“As a precautionary measure, we are alerting the public of the risks associated with potentially high levels of cyanobacteria in these lakes,” said Matt Harper, natural resources manager with Montgomery Parks. “While we await the toxin testing results, we urge people to keep their dogs on leash and ensure they are not allowed contact with the water.”
Park Rules and Regulations never allow dogs to swim in Montgomery Parks’ lakes.
Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring algae in the environment but can grow in excess and produce harmful toxins, including microcystin, a hepatotoxin. High concentrations of microcystin may harm humans and pets if ingested. Of primary concern are off-leash dogs that may swim and/or drink from the lake, despite park regulations.
Montgomery Parks urges visitors to take the following precautions:
- Avoid direct contact with water while boating or fishing; swimming is always prohibited in lakes
- Keep dogs on leash (per park regulations), and do not allow them to drink or be in contact with the water or algal mats accumulating on shorelines
- If your pet has been in contact with lake water or algae, rinse fur with clean water and seek veterinary care if you are concerned
- Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking if you have come in contact with the water
- Only eat properly cooked muscle meat of fish
Recreational activities including boating and fishing will remain open.
“Signs have been posted around Lake Needwood and Lake Frank and along trails that access the lakes to ensure visitors are aware of the potential risk of elevated microcystin, and to urge visitors to take precautions,” said David Quintanilla, Rock Creek Regional Park manager. “Portions of both lakes may be contaminated for the rest of the season. We will continue to monitor and remove signs when the warning is lifted.”
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
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