Harmful Algae Bloom Observed in a Cove on Lake Wylie

Published on October 17, 2025

Update: 10/17/2025

The Harmful Algae Bloom Watch for Boyd’s Cove, issued on 8/29, has been lifted. CMSWS staff monitored Boyd's Cove and did not find evidence of a Harmful Algae Bloom present. 

The advisory for Snug Harbor issued on 8/29 is still in effect. CMSWS staff will continue to monitor this area.

Update: 8/29/25

The harmful algae bloom watch on Lake Wylie is still in effect. More information is in the post below.

Update: 8/22/25

Contact: Olivia Edwards
Olivia.Edwards@MeckNC.gov

Active Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB) have been found in Boyd’s Cove and Snug Harbor Cove in Lake Wylie (see maps below). There is the potential for additional Harmful Algae Blooms to occur, so a Watch is in effect for lower Lake Wylie. 

Residents are advised to avoid this area of the lake until the bloom is no longer present.

The bloom was observed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services staff during a routine monitoring effort. The algae found in this bloom has been confirmed as cyanobacteria, and, therefore, it can produce toxins that have been linked to severe illness in humans and animals if ingested.

You cannot tell whether a bloom is harmful just by looking at it, so it is best to avoid the following activities around possible algal blooms:

• Swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, or wading through the water

• Touching or handling mats of algae

• Ingesting the water

• Using the water for washing of irrigation

• Pets and children are at a higher risk of exposure so keep them away from water that appears discolored or scummy

If you accidentally come in contact with a harmful algae bloom, take the following actions:

• Wash thoroughly

• Immediately seek veterinary care if your pet appears to stumble, stagger, collapse or vomit uncontrollably after being in contact with the water

• Immediately seek medical care if a child or adult appears ill after being in contact with the water

Staff with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services will continue to survey the area and provide updates as needed.

If you see a bloom, please make sure to report it so staff can investigate:

• In North Carolina, please report to NCDEQ at Algae.NC.gov.

• In South Carolina, please report to SCDES by calling 803-898-8374.

To receive notifications of Lake Advisories in Mecklenburg County, text MECKNOSWIM to 888-777.

Approximate Location of Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) outlined in "Purple” Below

BoydsCove.png     SnugHarbourCove.png

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8/14/25

Contact: Olivia Edwards
Olivia.Edwards@MeckNC.gov

Mecklenburg County, N.C. - Active Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) has been found in a cove on Lower Lake Wylie (see map below). Residents are advised to avoid this area of the lake until the bloom is no longer present.

The bloom was observed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services staff during a routine monitoring effort. The algae found in this bloom has been confirmed as cyanobacteria, and, therefore, it can produce toxins that have been linked to severe illness in humans and animals if ingested.

You cannot tell whether a bloom is harmful just by looking at it, so it is best to avoid the following activities around possible algal blooms:

  • Swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, or wading through the water
  • Touching or handling mats of algae
  • Ingesting the water
  • Using the water for washing of irrigation
  • Pets and children are at a higher risk of exposure so keep them away from water that appears discolored or scummy

If you accidentally come in contact with a harmful algae bloom, take the following actions:

  • Wash thoroughly
  • Immediately seek veterinary care if your pet appears to stumble, stagger, collapse or vomit uncontrollably after being in contact with the water
  • Immediately seek medical care if a child or adult appears ill after being in contact with the water

Staff with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services will continue to survey the area and provide updates as needed.

If you see a bloom, please make sure to report it so staff can investigate:

  • In North Carolina, please report to NCDEQ at Algae.NC.gov.
  • In South Carolina, please report to SCDES by calling (803)-898-8374.

To receive notifications of Lake Advisories in Mecklenburg County, text MECKNOSWIM to 888-777.

Approximate Location of Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) is outlined in "Purple” Below

HABonLakeWylie20250814.jpeg

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