NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. - People who live around waterways in Lee County are upset to see green algae in the water.
The bloom is headed towards the Gulf of Mexico as it follows the natural westward current of the Caloosahatchee River due to large releases of water from Lake Okeechobee.
MORE: Photos of water issues in Southwest Florida this summer
Water quality experts are concerned about the toxins these blooms carry. John Cassani is the Calusa Waterkeeper, and wants to warn people about what the potential health risks.
"This type of algae produces a couple kinds of toxins; a liver toxin and a neurotoxin," Cassani said. "If you get enough of a dose it creates a liver function problem," he added.
Cassani said there's not much you can do to do the bloom once it is flowing. The bloom could release the toxins if it is disturbed or messed around with too much.
Water quality experts said you should be mindful of the dangers these toxins pose when you're out fishing and swimming.
