Water Sampling at Lake Watauga in Centennial Park

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Metro Parks was notified by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation that a cyanobacterial bloom has been observed in Watauga Lake in Centennial Park.

Metro Parks Staff posted signs to notify visitors of the potential presence of toxic algae advising them to avoid contact with the water and to keep pets away from the water, until further information is available.

Water sampling was conducted today to assess the bloom. Laboratory results are expected to be available next week, at which point we will provide an update.

Currently, all four turbulators are working and the lake is being chemically treated on a regular basis. Out of an abundance of caution, however, we are urging people and their pets to avoid contact with the water.

For more information about cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs), including health and safety guidance, please visit the Tennessee Harmful Algal Blooms (TN HABs) website:

https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water-resources/nutrient-management-in-tennessee/habs.html

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