Residents around Lake Wylie, take notice: an unwelcome algae guest has invaded a cove on the lower part of the lake. That's right, we're dealing with a Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB), the kind that likes to churn out toxins. These aren't your average pond scum particles, but cyanobacteria, those little microbial villains that can put a serious damper on your day, and health.
In what could only be described as routine heroics, staff from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services were making their usual rounds when they stumbled upon the bloom. It's like something out of a movie if movies were about environmental monitoring and public service alerts. Per the heads-up issued by official statements, steer clear of frolicking in or near that part of the lake for now.
We all like to think we have an eye for danger, but here's the thing: with algae, looks can be deceiving. The drill, stick to dry land for your outdoor activities, and keep those curious pets and kiddos away from the suspiciously scummy waters. If you slip up and get a side of algae with your swim, scrub off thoroughly, quick as you can. Believe me, you don't want what that algae's cooking.
And since we're all in this ecosystem together, don't be shy about reporting a bloom. See something scummy? Say something. In North Carolina, hit up NCDEQ at their handy website, Algae.NC.gov. Over in South Carolina, give SCDES a ring at (803)-898-8374, the folks there are ready to take your algae sightings and act accordingly. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services already on it, keeping tabs on the cove and cueing us in with updates. So, here's to hoping the bloom takes the hint and buzzes off soon.
