DHEC tells public to keep clear of Lake Wylie cove after water test shows toxins present
The state health department is warning the public of a potentially toxic algae bloom in a small Tega Cay cove.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issued a recreational water advisory for the cove on Lake Wylie after a resident notified the agency on Oct. 25 and tests performed Nov. 4 indicated microcystins, formerly called blue green algae.
The city sent a notice out to residents Wednesday.
The cove is at Nivens Landing Drive and McHanna Point. Toxins were present on the shoreline at levels 11% higher than the state threshold for safe water. The advisory doesn’t include any open water portions of Lake Wylie. Microcystin is a potent liver toxin and possible human carcinogen. Blooms also can be fatal to pets.
Blooms can increase with warmer water temperatures and last several weeks. They can appear bright green or blue-green. Cooler temperatures, heavy wind and rain can break up blooms that eventually die, according to DHEC.
DHEC has six algal bloom monitoring sites on Lake Wylie in addition to the advisory site in Tega Cay. DHEC monitors areas near Mill Creek and Concord Cove, in the Big Allison Creek area and at several sites near where Lake Wylie transitions back into the Catawba River.
Anyone with more information about a potential algae bloom site can call DHEC’s Bureau of Water at 803-898-8374.
This story was originally published November 9, 2022 at 5:56 PM.
