What is the current state of Lake Okeechobee in Florida?

Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake, is currently plagued by toxic blue-green algae blooms that have made it the dirtiest lake in the United States as of 2025.

How dangerous are the algae blooms in Lake Okeechobee?

The algae blooms in Lake Okeechobee release harmful toxins that can cause skin and eye irritation, flu-like symptoms, and even liver and nervous system damage in severe cases for both humans and pets.

What is the outlook for cleaning up Lake Okeechobee?

Experts warn that it could take decades to resolve the pollution issues in Lake Okeechobee, even if immediate action is taken to address the agricultural runoff that has contaminated the lake for nearly a century.

Home / Environment / Toxic Algae Blooms Plague Florida's Iconic Lake Okeechobee

Toxic Algae Blooms Plague Florida's Iconic Lake Okeechobee

24 Oct

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Summary

Lake Okeechobee is Florida's largest freshwater lake, home to abundant wildlife
Water quality analysis in 2025 found it to be the dirtiest lake in the US
Toxic blue-green algae blooms pose serious health risks to humans and pets

Toxic Algae Blooms Plague Florida's Iconic Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake, has long been known as the "Gator Capital" and the "liquid heart" of the Sunshine State. However, a recent analysis in 2025 has revealed a troubling reality: Lake Okeechobee is now the dirtiest lake in the United States.

The lake's waters have been contaminated by agricultural runoff for nearly a century, leading to an explosion of toxic blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria. These algae blooms can release harmful toxins that can irritate the skin and eyes, cause flu-like symptoms, and even damage the liver and nervous system in severe cases. Researchers have found that the water in Lake Okeechobee during the summer of 2025 contained more than enough of these dangerous cyanobacteria to pose a threat to human and animal health.