Division of Water Resources urges caution around discolored water
The public is advised to avoid contact with green or blue water on the Chowan and Yeopim rivers due to algal blooms that have lingered in the area since Aug. 9. Algal blooms have been observed on the Chowan River from Edenton to Colerain, and in the Yeopim River at Snug Harbor, but they may move due to wind and wave action.
NCDEQ's Division of Water Resources is investigating the blooms. Preliminary results have indicated the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which can produce toxins that can cause adverse health effects in humans and pets. Additional test results are pending. For more information, check DWR’s Algal Bloom Dashboard, and the Algae Lab FAQs.
Cyanobacteria blooms usually appear bright green, but when a bloom starts to decay, the color can change to a milky blue. Decaying algae may produce a strong, foul odor that can impact a large area.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (DPH) routinely encourages the public to avoid contact with waters 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. For more information on the potential health effects from algal blooms, visit the DPH website. DPH also reminds the public to take precautions as other microorganisms or pollution may be present in waterbodies that can lead to recreational water illness.
Report and Track Algal Blooms
Use the links below to report an algal bloom or to contact staff in your DEQ Division of Water Resources regional office. Use the Fish Kill & Algal Bloom dashboard to track the status of reported incidents.
Report an algal bloom on your phone, tablet, or PC
About Algal Blooms
Algal blooms that cause adverse effects are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). When favorable environmental conditions exist, algae can reproduce rapidly and form blooms that appear as surface scums, water discoloration, or both. Blooms also cause major changes in water chemistry, including high pH and dramatic swings in dissolved oxygen. Lack of oxygen created by decomposing algal blooms sometimes results in fish kills and other aquatic life impacts.
Some algae, especially blue-green algae, can produce toxins. These toxins have been linked to adverse health effects in wildlife, domestic pets, and humans. DWR currently tests samples for microcystin, one of the most common and well-studied algal toxins.
When public health concerns arise from algae blooms, local health departments and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services determine an appropriate response with technical support from DWR. Common actions include swimming closures, contact advisories, and the issuance of public notifications.
In addition to environmental and public health concerns, blooms can lead to economic losses due to increased drinking water treatment costs, decreased tourism and recreation, remediation efforts, fisheries losses, and decreased property values.
Track an Algal Bloom
Visit our Algal Bloom and Fish Kill Dashboard to find more information on reported algal blooms statewide.
Report an Algal Bloom
Report an algal bloom on your phone, tablet, or PC
Find and contact your regional office staff
Helpful links related to algal blooms:
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Blue-green Algae and Cyanotoxins
- Identifying Cyanobacterial (Blue-green) Algal Blooms
- N.C. Department of Health and Human Services: Algae Blooms
Staff Contacts
| Tammy Hill | Ecosystems Branch Supervisor | (919) 743-8413 |
| Vacant | Algal Bloom Response Coordinator | |
| Elizabeth Fensin | Algal Ecologist | (919) 743-8406 |
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