High Levels Of Harmful Algae Blooms Detected At T. Howard Duckett Reservoir, Avoid Contact

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — High concentrations of blue-green algae have been detected again in the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir, prompting WSSC Water to issue a health advisory. These blooms can produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people and animals, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

A health advisory remains in effect for the Triadelphia Reservoir.

The T. Howard Duckett Reservoir, located along the Patuxent River in Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard counties, serves as a drinking water source for WSSC Water and a recreational area for hiking, fishing and boating. The drinking water has not been affected by the high levels of blue-green algae, but people and pets should not come into contact with the water at the reservoir.

In the meantime, WSSC water will monitor water quality conditions at the Patuxent Water Filtration Plant.

Visitors to WSSC Water’s T. Howard Duckett Reservoir should do the following:

• Avoid all recreational water contact. If water contact occurs, rinse off immediately with clean water.
• Do not allow pets to swim in or drink the water, which is prohibited at all times by WSSC Water watershed regulations.
• Do not consume fish livers or digestive organs from fish caught in the reservoir. If you catch a fish in the reservoir, wash the filets thoroughly with drinking water.
• Signs will be posted throughout the reservoir’s recreational areas to inform visitors of the water contact health advisory.