CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More active and harmful algae blooms have been found in coves on Lake Norman recently. Residents are advised to avoid these in the areas north and south of Torrence Chapel Road until the blooms are gone.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services staff first identified the algae blooms in this portion of the lake June 13. It's difficult to discern whether a bloom is harmful just by looking at it, so it's recommended to avoid these activities around algae:
- Swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, jet-skiing, water-skiing or wading through the water
- Touching or handling mats of algae
- Ingesting the water
- Using the water for washing or irrigation
- Pets and children are at a higher risk of exposure so keep them away from water that appears discolored or scummy
If you, your friends, family, or pets 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
Staff with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and the North Carolina Department of Enviornmental Quality (NCDEQ) will continue to investigate any reports.
If you see a bloom, please make sure to report it so staff can investigate:
- In North Carolina, please report to NCDEQ at Algae.NC.gov
- In South Carolina, please report to the S.C. Department of Environmental Services by calling 803-898-8374
To receive notifications of lake advisories in Mecklenburg County, text MECKNOSWIM to 888-777.
According to NCDEQ’s algal bloom dashboard, there are 23 algae bloom reports around Lake Norman, with six in Mecklenburg County.