The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has issued a reminder for the public to avoid contact with discolored water, which may signal the presence of an algal bloom.
Certain types of algae can produce toxins that pose health risks to humans, pets, and aquatic life. These events are known as harmful algal blooms (HABs). The production of toxins by these algae can change rapidly, and it is not possible to determine by sight alone whether a bloom is harmful.
Members of the public who observe an algal bloom are encouraged to report it either through their nearest DEQ regional office or online. Reports and information about ongoing events can be accessed on DWR’s Fish Kill & Algal Bloom Dashboard.
Algae naturally occur in all bodies of water, but specific environmental factors—such as increased nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, higher temperatures, more sunlight, and reduced water flow—can cause rapid growth leading to blooms. Algal blooms may appear as surface scums resembling spilled paint in colors such as bright green, red, brown, or blue; they might also form mats or dense floating masses; sometimes they simply discolor the water. Blooms often move due to wind and waves. Decaying algae can create strong odors that affect large areas.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (DPH) advises avoiding contact with significant accumulations of algae and recommends keeping children and pets away from potentially affected waters. “Remember: When in doubt, stay out,” DPH states.
DPH provides several recommendations for safety:
– Keep children and pets away from water that looks bright green, blue, discolored or scummy.
– Do not touch large mats of algae.
– Avoid handling or eating dead fish found near blooms.
– Wash thoroughly if you come into contact with an algal bloom.
– Rinse pets with clean water if they have been exposed.
– Seek medical care if a child becomes ill after exposure.
– If a pet shows symptoms such as stumbling or collapsing after being in natural waters, seek veterinary care immediately.
DPH also reminds the public that other microorganisms or pollutants could be present in recreational waters that may cause illness.
Further details about algal blooms are available on the DWR website. Information regarding potential health effects can be found on the DPH website.
