Cyanobacteria advisory (harmful blue-green algae) reported, Aug 24, 2026

Record details

Original source data

{
  "objectid": 196,
  "globalid": "6e398e22-8aaf-44c1-8ef8-1ec225ba6ed5",
  "incident_id": "AB-202608272126",
  "report_type": "Algal Bloom",
  "fish_kill_number": null,
  "observation_date": 1787577300000,
  "area_impacted": 0.02,
  "area_units": "Acres",
  "regional_office": "MRO",
  "county": "Iredell",
  "waterbody": "Lake Norman",
  "investigation_status": "Completed",
  "final_investigation_comments": "The following email was sent to the concerned party:\nGood morning,\n\nThank you for speaking with us earlier this week and submitting your algae concern. We were able to complete a site visit in relation to this yesterday (08/27), and, at the time of the visit, no signs of algae were observed at the referenced location. Additionally, the open septic tank located along the neighboring property was observed, but no signs of a discharge were noted. I’ve consulted with our algae experts, and it is difficult to determine what the material shown in the photos from your report may have been. If the material were algae, it could possibly have been a form of Lyngbya (Black Mat algae). Please see the attached for more information.\n\nTreatment & Regulatory Guidance\nAs discussed on-site, we typically do not condone performing any treatments within waters of the state. However, Duke Energy’s Lake Services coordinates and oversees treatment of various aquatic plants and algae in Lake Norman. For more information, you may contact them at [email removed] or [phone removed]. The concerns regarding the open septic tank have been forwarded to Iredell County Environmental Health for follow-up. For more information on this, please contact [name removed] at [email removed] or [phone removed].\n\nReporting Future Issues\nFor any future concerns regarding algae or dead fish, please continue to utilize our online reporting tool for follow-up on our end. To view reported algal bloom events, visit our Fish Kill & Algal Bloom Dashboard.  For health and safety questions related to algae, algal blooms, toxins, water use, or recreation, please contact Kennedy Holt (NCDHHS Division of Public Health) at [email removed] or [phone removed]. For information related to swim advisories in your area, please contact Iredell County Environmental Health at [phone removed]. \n\nPublic Health Guidance (NCDHHS)\nThe N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (DPH) routinely encourages the public to avoid contact with large accumulations of algae and to prevent children and pets from swimming or ingesting water in an algal bloom. Remember: When in doubt, stay out. DPH suggests the following steps to safeguard against algal blooms: \n•\tKeep children and pets away from water that appears bright green, blue, discolored or scummy. \n•\tDo not handle or touch large mats of algae. \n•\tAvoid handling, cooking, or eating dead fish that may be present. \n•\tIf you come into contact with an algal bloom, wash thoroughly.  \n•\tUse clean water to rinse off pets that may have come into contact with an algal bloom. \n•\tIf your child appears ill after being in waters containing an algal bloom, seek medical care immediately. \n•\tIf your pet appears to stumble, stagger, or collapse after being in a pond, lake or river, seek veterinary care immediately.  \n\nDPH also reminds the public to take precautions as other microorganisms or pollution may be present in waterbodies that can lead to recreational water illness. For more tips on water safety, heat protection and food safety, see the latest release from NCDHHS. To learn more about algal blooms, visit algae.nc.gov. For more information on the potential health effects from algal blooms, visit the DPH website. \n\nAdditional Resources\n•\tNCDHHS Avoiding Recreational Water Illnesses: https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/water/prevent.html \n•\tNCDHHS Algal Blooms: https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oee/a_z/algal_blooms.html \n•\tSummer Safety: Tips for Enjoying North Carolina's Recreational Waters (NCDHHS DPH blog, July 23, 2024): https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2024/07/23/summer-safety-tips-enjoying-north-carolinas-recreational-waters?mc_cid=a039e002de&mc_eid=UNIQID \n•\t6 Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe During Water Activities (DPH blog, July 1, 2024): https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2024/07/01/6-ways-keep-your-pets-safe-during-water-activities  \n•\tNCDHHS DPH Keep Your Pets Safe flyer PDF download (note: This is a Google link.)  \n\n\nVery respectfully,\n\n[name removed], P.G.\nHydrogeologist, Mooresville Regional Office\nWater Quality Regional Operations Section\nDivision of Water Resources\nNorth Carolina Department of Environmental Quality\nOffice: [phone removed]\n[email removed]",
  "lab_id": null
}

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