File photo of boaters on the Triadelphia Reservoir in Brookeville, Maryland.
A potentially harmful algae bloom has prompted warnings for people to exercise caution when kayaking or boating a reservoir in Montgomery and Howard counties in Maryland.
The Washington Post reported Thursday that the body of water is the Triadelphia Reservoir.
The reservoir provides water to WSSC Water, which serves Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Drinking water is not affected, although the utility is testing for the algae at a water filtration plant, spokeswoman Lyn Riggins said.
The bloom is of cyanobacteria, which is also known as blue-green algae. It is common in stagnant water during warm weather and when there is higher levels of nutrients from runoff.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. >Sign up here.
The algae can cause a rash as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory problems.
Swimming is not allowed in the reservoir. Boaters or kayakers who must step into the reservoir to launch should bring fresh water to rinse off their legs, Riggins said. Fish caught in the reservoir also should be rinsed with fresh water, and their organs should be thrown out.
