There is a lot of misinformation about whether or not you should eat fish from Lake Worth. The truth is this. In 2000, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a fish advisory stating that people should not eat the fish at Lake Worth due to PCB contamination.
On November 15, 2010, the DSHS issued a new report showing improvement in fish quality. Four of seven species studied showed improvement:
“DSHS tested tissue samples from seven species of fish as part of a re-evaluation of the lake.
Analysis found levels of PCBs in blue catfish and smallmouth buffalo that exceed DSHS standards, indicating that consumption of those fish pose a risk to human health. The combination of PCBs, aldrin and dieldrin found in channel catfish also pose a risk to human health.
DSHS did not find elevated levels of contaminants in samples of common carp, freshwater drum, largemouth bass or white crappie collected from Lake Worth.”
I have listed the old and new studies below:
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New Study and Advisory Documents (2010):
Characterization of Potential Adverse Health Effects Associated
with Consuming Fish from Lake Worth - This is the full report describing the study and the resulting advisory.
FAQ’s Associated with the Lake Worth Fish Consumption Advisory - This is a quick set of Frequently Asked Questions regarding report.
Advisory Summary - This is a one page bullet point summary of the advisory.
Texas Department of State Health Services
Fish and Shellfish Consumption Advisory - This is a one page editorial summary of the advisory.
DSHS Issues Fish Advisory for Lake Worth - This is a one page press release of the study.
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Old Advisory Documents (2000):
Texas Department of Health - Study of Fish Quality
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - Study and Plan for PCB Reduction
Texas Parks and Wildlife - Fish Eating Advisory
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