Active harmful algae blooms have been detected in a cove on Lake Wylie, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. Residents are advised to avoid the affected area until further notice.
The presence of cyanobacteria, a type of algae that can produce toxins linked to severe illness in humans and animals if ingested, was confirmed during routine monitoring by Storm Water Services staff. Officials caution that it is not possible to determine whether an algae bloom is harmful simply by looking at it.
Recommended precautions include avoiding swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, or wading through water where blooms may be present. Direct contact with mats of algae should also be avoided. People are urged not to ingest the water or use it for washing or irrigation purposes. Children and pets face higher risks of exposure and should be kept away from water that appears discolored or scummy.
“If you accidentally come in contact with a harmful algae bloom, take the following actions: Wash thoroughly. Immediately seek veterinary care if your pet appears to stumble, stagger, collapse or vomit uncontrollably after being in contact with the water. Immediately seek medical care if a child or adult appears ill after being in contact with the water,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services stated.
Monitoring will continue until the bloom is no longer present. The public will be notified when conditions change.
Residents who observe possible blooms are encouraged to report them so staff can investigate. In North Carolina, reports should be made to NCDEQ at Algae.NC.gov; in South Carolina, reports can be made by calling 803-898-8374.
To receive updates about lake advisories in Mecklenburg County, residents can text MECKNOSWIM to 888-777.
Mecklenburg County schools enrolled 153,537 students during the 2022-23 school year https://www.dpi.nc.gov/, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to the previous year https://www.dpi.nc.gov/.
