Lake Galena in 2006.
The Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department has issued a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) watch for Lake Galena following recent testing that detected potentially toxic conditions.
The watch affects the lake at Peace Valley Park in Central Bucks County.
Officials have stating that walking, wading, and swimming are strictly prohibited in the lakes at all times, a regulation that also applies to pets.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection describes a Harmful Algal Bloom as a phenomenon where microscopic organisms, primarily cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife.
Bucks County Parks Department In documentation, state officials said blooms can vary in appearance, often turning clear water into bright green or forming streaks that resemble grass clippings or paint on the surface.
Residents are urged to be cautious and report any suspected HABs, particularly around docks and launches where blooms are likely to be concentrated.
Visible signs of HABs include discolored water, soupy textures, and surface scum.
Cyanobacteria are a natural component of many aquatic environments and can produce cyanotoxins that are dangerous in high concentrations.
Contact with contaminated water can pose health risks, and officials advise washing off immediately after exposure.
If exposure leads to illness in humans or animals, state officials urged people to contact health professionals or the poison control center immediately.
Lake Galena was created in 1974 by constructing a dam across the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek. It is a 365-acre lake within Peace Valley Park.
