Local fishermen and boaters will need to make other plans for the next few days after potentially toxic blue algae was discovered at Turkey Creek Water Park Friday.
Park Manager Pam Engle said the algae was confirmed through testing performed by Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. While MDEQ did not mandate the water closure, she said Turkey Creek made the decision to err on the side of caution.
According to MDEQ, blue algae can release toxins harmful to humans and animals. Exposure can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
The algae at Turkey Creek is located in only a small portion of the water, Engle said, and no reports of anyone falling ill have been made. However, she said, MDEQ did find the algae has the potential to release toxins.
“There may not be any toxins,” she said. “DEQ tested it and it can, but it might not be releasing any toxins.”
Engle said she is planning to perform daily checks of the algae to ensure it is quickly eliminated and is not allowed to spread to other areas. She said MDEQ had agreed to test water samples for algae and toxin levels to assist with the cleanup effort.
Overall, Engle said, the algae is not a big threat as it hasn’t spread very far, and abatement efforts have already begun.
“It’s not real bad,” she said. “It’s just us being cautious.”
While the potential for toxins is still present, Engle said Turkey Creek is putting a lid on all swimming, boating and skiing as a precautionary measure. The rest of the park, she said, will remain open.
“The park is open, we’re just not allowing anyone on the water,” she said.
Correction: a previous version of this story incorrectly stated the algae was discovered Monday. We apologize for the error and are happy to set the record straight.
