Harmful Algae Causes Warnings at Lake Audubon, Lake Thoreau

(Posted Oct. 19, 2023) RA staff has been alerted to potentially harmful algae on the surface of Lake Audubon. While Audubon's bloom looks to be limited to the northern portion of the lake, a warning has been issued for the whole lake out of an abundance of caution. Signs are being posted at Lake Audubon to alert nearby residents to avoid contact with the lake.  

Meanwhile, the blue-green algae bloom on Lake Thoreau first reported on October 10 continues, and warnings regarding water contact remain in place.  Residents who wish to help combat harmful algal blooms can do so by minimizing fertilizer use on their lawn, vegetating all exposed soil with turf or native vegetation, and keeping leaves from entering storm drains this fall and winter. Updates will be posted to RA social media accounts, and questions can be addressed to Ben Rhoades watershed@reston.org.