RALEIGH – State officials urge people to avoid contact with potentially harmful algal bloom caused by North Carolina’s hot weather.

According to the Division of Water Resources, these algal blooms have shown up in prominent water bodies in the western part of the state.

The alga is identified as green specks distributed throughout the water column but is most noticeable when it collects on the surface forming thick films and swirls.

The division staff said they have also received complaints of algal blooms described as” smelly, green pea soup“ in eastern North Carolina.

The division is working with state public health officials to investigate these blooms.

The blooms have a concentration of toxins that can potentially damage the liver.

The health officials said they encourage the public to avoid large accumulations of the algae and to take precautions to prevent children and pets from swimming or ingesting water in an algal bloom.

Officials said it is safe to boat and fish in affected areas.

The increase algal blooms sometimes reduce the oxygen available to fish and other aquatic animals, which results in fish kills. Fish kills have been reported in the lower Chowan River, and near the Blounts Bay and Pamlico River areas where lower dissolved oxygen levels have been recorded. 

No reports of adverse health effects have been reported.

 

Health officials recommend these steps to safeguard children and pets.