Residents along Lake Norman's lower basin are being warned to steer clear of the water following the discovery of Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, announced in a recent public notice. The presence of green algae was confirmed to be cyanobacteria, a type associated with possible toxins that pose health risks to humans and animals if ingested.
Local authorities are urging people to avoid any form of contact with the affected water including swimming, fishing, and even touching algae mats, warning that such activities could lead to severe consequences, especially since cyanobacteria can release toxins harmful upon exposure; pets and children are particularly vulnerable and their safety is paramount, keep them away from patches of water that look off in color or have a scummy surface. In case of accidental contact, it is advised to wash off immediately and to seek medical or veterinary help if symptoms appear.
The cyanobacteria found in Lake Norman's blooms are not always visibly identifiable as dangerous, prompting officials to caution against false assumptions about safety merely based on appearances. The staff from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services will monitor the blooms and inform the public when the areas have been deemed safe again, according to the City of Charlotte website.
Should you come across a suspicious algae bloom, reports are crucial and can be made to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) at (704)-663-1699 for North Carolina sightings, and to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) at (803)-898-8374 for South Carolina reports, it is through such collaborative community efforts that environmental hazards can be promptly addressed and mitigated. County residents interested in staying updated on Lake Advisories can text MECKNOSWIM to 888-777 for notifications.
