Suspected cyanobacteria bloom reported on the Withlacoochee

A suspected cyanobacteria bloom was reported on the Withlacoochee River on June 29 — a citizen sighting of bright green water stretching more than a football field in extent. These bacterial mats thrive in slow, sun-heated water, and the warning comes not just from the color, but from what happens next. As a dense bloom dies back, dissolved oxygen can crash, and the cyanotoxins these bacteria produce can sicken fish, wildlife, and people who wade or swim without recognizing the danger.

Flow readings on the Weeki Wachee River near Brooksville show 108 cubic feet per second — water is moving through the system, but velocity alone won't clear conditions already established in the river. Until conditions improve, the safest approach is to avoid visibly green or scummy stretches and report any similar discoloration you see.