NC officials urge caution around discolored water ahead of Labor Day weekend
NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — North Carolina environmental and health officials are reminding residents to avoid contact with discolored or scummy water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources says certain environmental conditions can cause algae to grow rapidly, including warm temperatures, sunlight, increased nutrients and low or stagnant water flow.
While algae naturally occur in waterbodies and play an important role in aquatic ecosystems, some types can produce toxins that may harm people, pets and aquatic organisms.
Officials say harmful algal blooms cannot be identified simply by looking at them.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health recommends keeping children and pets away from water that appears bright green, blue, discolored or covered in scum when an algal bloom is suspected.
Health officials also recommend:
- Do not touch or handle large mats of algae.
- Avoid handling, cooking or eating dead fish that may be present.
- Wash thoroughly after coming into contact with suspected algal blooms.
- Rinse pets with clean water if they have been exposed.
- Seek medical care immediately if a child becomes ill after exposure to water containing a suspected algal bloom.
- Seek veterinary care immediately if a pet begins stumbling, staggering or collapsing after being in a pond, lake or river.
Officials also caution that other microorganisms or pollution may be present in waterbodies and can cause recreational water illnesses.
Residents who see a suspected algal bloom can report it to the nearest DEQ regional office or through the state’s online reporting system. DEQ officials may collect water samples for testing when an investigation is warranted and resources are available.
