This new NOAA image shows a widespread algae bloom on Florida's Lake Okeechobee on Sunday, June 24, 2018.

(NOAA)

At a Glance

A new image provided by NOAA shows how widespread a toxic algae bloom on Florida's Lake Okeechobee has become.The algae bloom has been growing for weeks on Florida's largest lake.Residents have been told to avoid the water, as the toxic cyanobacteria can cause health problems.

An algae bloom on Florida's Lake Okeechobee continues to grow, and a new image provided by NOAA shows just how much of the state's largest lake has been overtaken by the toxic cyanobacteria.

The image, shown above, reveals the concentration of the algae bloom across the lake, as seen Sunday by theSouth Florida Water Management District. Residents have been told to avoid the water because the cyanobacteria can cause a host of health issues, like , according to the Palm Beach Post.

"We all know from the satellite images ," Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, director of the Rivers Coalition in Stuart, Florida, told WPBF.com. "I was blown away. Just absolutely blown away."

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Officialsperformed water releases in recent weeks due, in part, to the state's . But drier weather has since taken over, and that means water releases were suspended over the weekend, the Palm Beach Post also reported.

"So far, there have not been many reports of toxins. These are the types of algae that can give you toxins, ,"Audubon of Florida spokesman Paul Gray told WLRN. "But remember, the biggest bloom months are July and August, so the worst may be ahead of us."

Thurlow-Lippisch said one area of major concern is at the St. Lucie River, the waterway thatreceived the discharges. The algae bloom has impacted that area of the lake, and the toxic cyanobacteria will eventually be released into the river, she said.

She said more frequent testing is needed because changes have occurred at the bloom, and the health of nearby residents could be impacted.

"We cannot have a totally sick lake that we're pouring into a very sick estuary and creating sick people," Thurlow-Lippisch told WPBF.com.