Is Lake Weohyakapka safe to swim?

As of July 20, 2026, Lake Weohyakapka in Polk County, Florida is not recommended for swimming. Satellite imagery measured 985,424 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Rainfall over the past week totaled 0.9 in, which can wash bacteria and nutrients into the water.

How this read is built

Lake Weohyakapka is a lake in Polk County, Florida covering about 11.8 sq mi, the 15th-largest of the 230 lakes SwimZone monitors in Florida. Satellite imagery measured 985,424 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Larger, warmer waters like this can hold a bloom for weeks once nutrients and calm weather line up.

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are most common from midsummer into early fall, when the water is warm, calm, and rich in nutrients from runoff. They can produce toxins that make people sick and can be rapidly fatal to dogs, so skip water that looks green, scummy, or like spilled paint, and keep children and pets out of it.

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Lake Weohyakapka has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 7 of them, most recently in July 2026. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 957,862 cells/mL in July 2026.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Weohyakapka right now?

Lake Weohyakapka is not recommended for swimming today. Satellite imagery measured 985,424 cells/mL of blue-green algae on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory threshold. Conditions can change quickly with wind, heat, and rain, so check the posted signs and look at the water before you get in.

Does Lake Weohyakapka have blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)?

Yes. Satellite monitoring measured 985,424 cells/mL of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) at Lake Weohyakapka on July 19, 2026, above the 100,000 cells/mL advisory level. Avoid swimming and keep children and pets out of the water.

Can dogs swim in Lake Weohyakapka?

No. Blue-green algae at Lake Weohyakapka is above the safe-contact threshold (985,424 cells/mL on July 19, 2026). Cyanobacteria toxins can be rapidly fatal to dogs, which swallow it while swimming and lick it from their fur. Keep dogs out of the water and away from any scum along the shore.

How often does Lake Weohyakapka have blue-green algae blooms?

Over 7 summers of satellite monitoring since 2020, Lake Weohyakapka has reached blue-green algae advisory levels in 7 of them, most recently in July 2026. This is a lake that blooms most summers. Its highest recorded reading was 957,862 cells/mL in July 2026.

How many Florida lakes and beaches are unsafe for swimming today?

Today, 97 Florida waters are above a safe-contact threshold and 350 more warrant caution, out of 779 monitored waters SwimZone tracks in the state.

How is Lake Weohyakapka's water quality measured?

SwimZone builds this read from EPA CyAN satellite imagery for blue-green algae, official beach and fecal-bacteria advisories where a program monitors Lake Weohyakapka, and a recent-rainfall overlay, all refreshed daily. It was last updated July 20, 2026.