During the latest assessment of Lake Wylie conducted on Sept. 27, 2021, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services observed active Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria) blooms in Boyd’s Cove and in additional areas in Snug Harbor Cove.
This map highlights the areas where active cyanobacteria blooms have been observed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services since assessments began in Lake Wylie in Aug. 2021, reported Mecklenburg County Government.
There were 11 locations where algal blooms were detected and 12 locations where blooms were previously detected but not on Sept. 27, 2021, reported Mecklenburg County Government.
According to the city of Charlotte, North Carolina's website, cyanobacteria blooms were first observed Aug. 6, 2021 while conducting a field investigation. This investigation was prompted by a call from a resident who observed discolored water in the cove. Since then, assessments are being conducted weekly by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.
The following safety measures were recommended for Boyd’s and Snug Harbor Coves:
- People and pets should not contact the water or algae;
- Do not handle cook or eat dead fish that may be present, avoid fishing in the bloom area;
- If you come into contact with an algal bloom, wash thoroughly;
- Use clean water to rinse off pets that may have come into contact with an algal bloom;
- If you or your child appears ill after being in waters containing an algal bloom, seek medical care; immediately. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, itchy skin or rash; And
- If your pet appears to stumble, stagger or collapse after being in a pond, lake or river, seek veterinary care immediately.
It is recommended for lake users to look for signs that a bloom is occurring, which may include bright green, blue, discolored, and/or scummy water.
