MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- After a Charlotte pond tested positive for blue-green algae, warning signs are being posted around 14 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation properties.

Testing performed Thursday at the pond at Park Road Park confirmed that the pond tested positive for the toxic version of blue-green algae.

Parks and Recreation Department Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Division Director Chris Matthews said the algae bloom happens every summer.

“This phenomenon happens every year. It’s nothing new but with the recent media coverage, we wanted to make sure people are as safe as they can be in our parks,” Matthews said.

Pet owners in Wilmington and Austin, Texas have reported their dogs died after coming in contact with contaminated water.

In Mecklenburg County, there have not been any reports of pet deaths due to the algae. However, officials are encouraging visitors not to swim or fish in ponds for the meantime. Brian Slep who was visiting Park Road Park on Friday said he is keeping his pets away from the water for now.

“I don’t want them to get hurt or sick,” Slep said.

According to Matthews, people and pets can come in contact with the toxins of the algae bloom when they splash or swallow the water. In some cases, it can cause rashes or throat irritation.

However, it can also become more severe.

"It can affect your liver. You can get some pretty serious medical conditions, even death. That's why the issue with pets is so important because a dog doesn't know all of this, it will go in and start drinking the water,” Matthews said.

The Park and Recreation Department will test the 13 additional ponds for toxic algae in area parks within the next two weeks.

All the ponds will continue to be evaluated until the levels drop below toxic levels. 

Other Parks Being Tested:

  • Freedom Park 
  • Hornet’s Nest Park
  • Marshall Park
  • Beatty Park 
  • Elon Park 
  • Reedy Creek Park
  • McAlpine Park
  • Clarks Creek Nature Preserve
  • Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve
  • Sherman Branch Nature Preserve
  • Davie Park
  • Idlewild Park
  • Ezell Farm Park