Is Orange River safe? Toxic algae status
Lee County, Florida. Harmful algal bloom (blue-green algae) reports from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Data checked 24 October 2026. Florida data is published as a yearly file; current sampling is shown on the DEP dashboard.
12
sampling visits since 2021
6
visits where a bloom was seen
6.2 µg/L
highest microcystin result
Year by year
Each box shows visits where a bloom was seen, out of all sampling visits that year.
Reports at Orange River are most often logged in May and June.
Recent reports
| Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 26 March 2024 | Orange River - RV boat ramp | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 12 June 2023 | Orange River - Sun N Fun Pier | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 28 March 2022 | Orange River - RV boat ramp | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 3 August 2021 | Orange River - Orange Harbor RV Resort | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 1 July 2021 | Orange River - Manatee Park | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 24 June 2021 | Orange River - Manatee Park | Bloom seen · microcystin 0.31 µg/L |
| 10 June 2021 | Orange River - Manatee Park | Bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 3 June 2021 | Orange River - Manatee Park | Bloom seen · microcystin 0.45 µg/L |
| 27 May 2021 | Orange River - Orange Harbor RV Resort | Bloom seen · microcystin 0.33 µg/L |
| 27 May 2021 | Orange River - Manatee Park | Bloom seen · microcystin 6.2 µg/L |
| 17 May 2021 | Orange River - Orange Harbor RV Resort | Bloom seen · microcystin 1.1 µg/L |
| 3 May 2021 | Orange River - Palm Beach Blvd | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
What the results mean
Staff saw a bloom at the sampling site. A sample may then be tested for toxins.
Microcystin, a liver toxin made by blue-green algae, was found in the sample.
At or above the level where the US EPA recommends swimming advisories for microcystins.
Dogs and toxic algae
Dogs face the greatest risk because they swallow water and lick algae off their fur. If a bloom has been reported, keep dogs out of the water and away from scum on the shore. If your dog swims in water that might have algae, rinse it with clean water straight away and call a vet if it seems unwell.
Common questions
Is Orange River safe to swim in?
The most recent entry in Florida's published data is from 26 March 2024: no bloom seen · microcystin not detected (Orange River - RV boat ramp). For current conditions, check the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard and posted signs.
When does Orange River get algae blooms?
In the state's records, reports are most often logged in May and June. Blooms are most likely in warm, calm weather, but they can appear at other times of year.
Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), official data. This page is independent and not affiliated with the State of Florida.