Amid the summer heat, 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 indicate an algal bloom. Algae are naturally present in all bodies of water, but certain conditions such as increased nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, high temperatures, more sunlight, and low or no water flow can lead to rapid algal growth resulting in blooms.
These algal blooms can manifest as surface scums resembling spilled paint in colors like bright green, red, brown, or blue. They may also appear as dense mats floating on the water or cause discoloration throughout the water column. The blooms tend to move due to wind and wave action. Decaying algae often emit a strong odor that can affect large areas.
Some algae produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and aquatic life. Such blooms are termed harmful algal blooms (HABs). “You cannot tell by looking at a bloom whether it is harmful or not,” warns the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (DPH), which advises avoiding contact with significant algae accumulations and keeping children and pets away from potentially affected waters.
The DPH recommends several precautions: keeping children and pets away from discolored or scummy water; avoiding touching large algae mats; refraining from handling dead fish; washing thoroughly if exposed to an algal bloom; rinsing off pets with clean water after exposure; seeking medical care if a child becomes ill following exposure; and seeking veterinary care if a pet shows signs of distress after being in potentially affected waters.
The DPH also cautions about other microorganisms or pollutants that could cause recreational water illnesses. To report an algal bloom, individuals should contact their nearest DEQ regional office or submit an online report. Reported events can be viewed on DWR’s Fish Kill & Algal Bloom Dashboard.
