Microcystins in Orsino Florida Water

Unhealthy Levels of Microcystins in the Water Supply of Orsino Florida Homes

Microcystins are toxins produced by certain cyanobacteria, sometimes called blue-green algae, that can get into drinking water during algae blooms. These compounds can be present even when water looks clear, so they’re not always linked to obvious taste or odor problems. In communities like Orsino—where many homes rely on private wells and are near the St. Johns River basin—residents may learn about microcystins through local advisories, utility notices, or news; one commonly referenced form is microcystin-LR.

When microcystins are a concern for Orsino households, treatment needs to protect water throughout the home, not only at the kitchen tap. We use water for drinking, cooking, making ice, rinsing produce, and brushing teeth, so addressing dissolved contaminants at the point of entry is important. Simple sediment filters won’t reliably remove microcystins, so a whole-house strategy is the best way to ensure consistent treatment at showers, faucets, and appliances for residents in this humid subtropical area.