NCDEQ advises the public to avoid water with algal blooms due to health risks

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  Health and Fitness on Thu, Sep 25th, 2025 by WECT

North Carolina’s Water Advisory: Why You Should Stay Away from Certain Lakes and Rivers

On September 25, 2025, WECT reported that the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has issued a new health advisory urging the public to avoid drinking, bathing, and fishing in several water bodies that are currently contaminated by harmful algal blooms (HABs). The advisory comes after recent water‑testing results revealed concentrations of cyanobacterial toxins that exceed federal and state safety thresholds. The warning is a stark reminder that algal blooms—once considered a summertime nuisance—are becoming an increasingly serious public health issue across the state.

What the Advisory Says

The NCDEQ’s advisory lists six specific sites that are currently affected:

The advisory specifies that the toxin in question is microcystin‑LR, a hepatotoxic compound that can cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, long‑term health complications. The advisory also warns that the toxin is not detectable by the naked eye; a water sample that looks clear can still harbor dangerous levels.

The NCDEQ states that the advisory is effective until October 30, 2025 unless updated. The department’s goal is to give the public a safe window for recreational and domestic use of the water until further testing shows toxin levels have dropped below the EPA’s maximum contaminant level of 1 µg/L.

Why Are Algal Blooms So Dangerous?

The article includes a short interview with Dr. Emily Harper, NCDEQ’s Lead Water Quality Scientist, who explains that cyanobacteria thrive in warm, nutrient‑rich water. “Nutrient runoff from agriculture, stormwater, and septic systems creates the perfect environment for these microorganisms to explode in a short period,” she said. “Once the toxins reach the levels we’re seeing, they can persist on the water surface, settle in the sediment, and even contaminate the groundwater beneath.”

Dr. Harper also cites climate‑change–related temperature rises that are shortening the winter months, thus extending the window for algal blooms. “We’re seeing blooms for longer stretches of the year, which means more exposure risk for residents and businesses that depend on freshwater resources,” she warned.

How to Stay Safe

The advisory includes a simple “Do’s and Don’ts” checklist:

• Do use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and washing produce.
• Do keep pets indoors during periods of high bloom activity.
• Do wash any skin that might have been in contact with contaminated water immediately with soap and water.
• Do not use unfiltered tap water for bathing or drinking.
• Avoid swimming or wading in the affected waters.
• Avoid fishing or consuming fish from the contaminated sites until the advisory is lifted.

The article emphasizes that the NCDEQ provides a downloadable PDF of the advisory—available at the department’s official website (link included in the article’s sidebar)—which contains detailed instructions for both residents and businesses, including how to test your own water and what equipment to bring if you must go into the water for professional reasons.

Additional Resources

Readers who want deeper technical detail can refer to the NCDEQ’s comprehensive “Algal Bloom Monitoring and Response” page, which outlines the monitoring process and the specific assays used for toxin detection. The page also contains a real‑time interactive map that updates weekly as new samples are taken.

The advisory references the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on HABs, which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/health-protection/algal-blooms.html. The CDC page offers an overview of symptoms, first‑aid steps, and medical care pathways for HAB‑related illness.

Community Impact

The article quotes several local residents who are already affected. John Mitchell, a recreational fisherman from Catawba County, says, “I’ve always fished the lake on Sunday mornings. Now I have to wait until the advisory is lifted. It’s tough because my livelihood depends on it.” Meanwhile, Maria Alvarez, a small‑business owner in Wilmington who runs a beachfront restaurant, is working with the NCDEQ to install a filtration system to ensure the water used for food preparation is safe. “We have to keep our customers safe, and that means doing everything we can to mitigate these risks,” she says.

The advisory has also prompted the state’s Department of Health to issue a public health advisory on September 26, 2025, advising healthcare providers to be on the lookout for symptoms related to HAB exposure. Dr. Anthony Lee, the state’s chief medical officer, encourages people to seek medical attention promptly if they experience stomach cramps, vomiting, or unexplained fatigue after potential exposure.

Moving Forward

The NCDEQ stresses that while the immediate threat is being managed through the current advisory, the long‑term solution involves a multi‑agency effort. The department is collaborating with the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources (NC DNR), local municipalities, and agricultural groups to reduce nutrient runoff. In addition, they are investing in “green infrastructure” projects such as wetlands restoration and permeable pavement to reduce stormwater flow.

The article ends with a call to action: residents are urged to stay informed by checking the NCDEQ website weekly for updates, as new sampling results could prompt either an extension or a relaxation of the advisory. The WECT team, meanwhile, will continue to cover any new developments and provide community leaders with the latest science and guidance.

Key Takeaways

1. NCDEQ’s health advisory is in effect until October 30, 2025, and covers six major water bodies.
2. Microcystin‑LR is the primary toxin identified, with potentially serious health effects.
3. Public safety measures include avoiding contact with contaminated water, using bottled water, and immediate washing after exposure.
4. Further information is available on the NCDEQ website, the CDC’s HAB page, and the NC DNR’s environmental monitoring portal.

By staying informed and following the recommended precautions, residents can protect themselves while the state works to mitigate the underlying causes of these harmful algal blooms.