Hernando issues algae caution for Withlacoochee River near Nobleton

Blue-green algae in the Withlacoochee River near Nobleton has put a hard stop on weekend water plans in west Hernando County, with the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County warning residents not to drink, swim, wade or use personal watercraft where the bloom was identified May 6, 2026.

Hernando County Government posted the caution May 11, after the algae was found near Nobleton, and said water testing was underway. The notice makes one point clear for anyone heading to the river: do not assume the water is safe just because toxin results have not yet been confirmed.

The county’s advice goes beyond avoiding a visible bloom. People should keep away from water that looks discolored or smells unpleasant, and if contact happens, wash skin and clothing with soap and water. The warning also extends to pets and livestock, which should be kept out of bloom areas because the water can be dangerous for animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says harmful algal blooms can be deadly for pets and livestock and can make people sick through swallowing water, skin and eye contact, or inhalation.

Food safety matters too. Hernando’s notice says contaminated water should not be used to cook or clean dishes, and boiling does not remove toxins. The county also warned that shellfish from bloom-affected water should not be eaten. For freshwater fish, the guidance says healthy fillets may still be eaten if they are rinsed, gutted and cooked thoroughly, but that does not make the water itself safe.

The bloom is not unusual for Florida. State materials describe blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, as common in freshwater and more likely to bloom in warm, slow-moving, nutrient-rich water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says higher temperatures favor harmful blooms, and Florida’s reporting system lets residents flag algae concerns around the clock so DEP and water-management partners can coordinate sampling.

For west Hernando, the practical impact is immediate. The Withlacoochee near Nobleton is a familiar recreation spot for swimmers, paddlers, anglers and pet owners, and the same stretch drew a similar warning on July 16, 2024. That repetition is a reminder that a river can turn from weekend destination to health concern quickly, especially when warm weather, still water and excess nutrients line up at the same time.