*Please note: Drinking water is not affected

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has detected high concentrations of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in the Duckett Reservoir in Laurel.

WSSC says the drinking water system is not affected. Contact and ingestion of waters containing high concentrations of blue-green algae can have serious health implications for humans and pets.  

The Prince George’s County Health Department recommends the following precautions be taken when visiting the reservoir or other waterways that may have blue-green algae present at high concentrations:

• Rinse off with clean water if contact is made with the water.  Skin irritation may occur after prolonged exposure.  Contact your health care provider if skin irritation persists.
• Do not allow pets to drink the water or swim in the reservoir.
• Do not consume fish livers or digestive organs from fish caught in the reservoir.  Wash the fish fillets thoroughly with drinking water before cooking or consuming.

To report fish kills please contact the Maryland Department of the Environment Hotline at 1-800-285-8195 press option 1.

If you have additional questions, please contact the Prince George’s County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at 301-883-7605.