LELAND — Don’t drink the water from Lake Leland, residents around the 100-acre lake were warned Thursday.
County Environmental Health Director Mike McNickle said tests Thursday showed elevated cell counts of microcystis, another form of the bacteria often referred to as blue-green algae. Microcystis produces microcytin, a hepapatoxin that is hazardous to the liver.
“And there’s no antidote,” McNickle added.
The toxin causes a rash with skin contact, and diarrhea and vomiting if humans or animals drink the water.
A cell count of 223,000 cells per milliliter was discovered, more than double the level of concern, said McNickle.
“We won’t get the toxicity test back until Monday,” McNickle said. “But because of the cell count and species, we’re concerned about that.”
Signs have already been posted at the lake, warning residents about the presence of the bacteria. Algae blooms are visible around the lake’s shores.
