Woodstock Pond in James City County is closed for fishing and boating after a harmful algal bloom was found there, two state agencies said in a news release.
The pond is in York River State Park, near Croaker in the county off Riverview Road and York River State Park Road.
The algal bloom of Microcystis aeruginosa is a blue-green algae that produces toxins that can cause rashes and other illnesses, the Virginia Department of Health states.
People and pets are prohibited from entering the pond, officials said Wednesday.
Algal blooms occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. The algae grow so much that it turns the water green and produces a toxin.
Microcystin, one of the types of algae toxins, can develop in green clumps that looks like thick, green paint on the water.
Park staff will monitor water quality in the pond, state park officials said. The pond will reopen following a minimum of two consecutive weeks of acceptable levels of algal cell counts.
To prevent illness, people should:
Avoid contact with any area of the pond where water is green or an advisory sign is posted.
Prevent children and pets from drinking from natural bodies of water.
Keep children and pets out of the water and quickly wash them off with fresh water after coming into contact with algae.
If you or your animals experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, malaise, or rash, after swimming in or near an algal bloom, seek medical or veterinarian care immediately, health department officials said.
For more information, contact the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 888-238-6154.
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