Blue-green algae found in Collier County's Faka-Union Canal

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Blue-green algae has been spotted in a Collier County waterway, and health officials want the public to know.

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County flagged the presence of blue-green algae in the Faka-Union Canal Basin on 16th Ave SE on Monday, Sept. 15, according to a press release.

Water sample testing is underway, but officials warn that blue-green algae can produce toxins, and conditions can change quickly.

Residents and visitors should avoid drinking, swimming, wading or coming into contact with any water where a visible bloom is present.

If you do come into contact with algae or water that looks discolored or smells bad, wash your skin and clothing with soap and water right away.

Pets and livestock should also be kept away from the area entirely, as the water is not safe for animals either.

When it comes to food, do not cook or clean dishes with water from an algae bloom, and boiling the water will not remove the toxins.

Shellfish from affected waters should also be avoided, but fish fillets from healthy fish are safe to eat if you rinse them with tap or bottled water, remove the guts and cook them thoroughly.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and its partners are collecting algae samples from the site, and toxin results will be posted on the Protecting Florida Together website and DEP's Algal Bloom Dashboard once available.