Officials issue “waterwache” after harmful blue -green algae were found in SC Lake

Hartwell, GA (Fox Carolina) – The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) published a leisure water station for Lake Hartwell after identifying the presence of a harmful algae blossom (HAB).

Environmental services said they were informed about a potential belongings by several residents.

The staff started collecting rehearsals of three sea stations near Brooks Drive, the Gordon Road and the Whitfield Road in Anderson County on April 29. Further notifications were received on April 30th.

Cyanobacteria (blue -green algae) was observed in the collected samples.

The blue -green algae can produce cyanotoxins. Therefore, officials analyzed the rehearsals on the presence of two types of cyanotoxins: Cylindrospermopsin and microcystine. The concentrations for both were low.

Officials said that in natural water bodies and in South Carolina in late spring until early autumn, the water temperatures are very likely to occur and the sunlight is increased.

The flowers can take several weeks and look like light green spilled color or blue -green discoloration of the water, civil servants said.

According to officials, cooler temperatures, heavy winds and rains can lead to the flowers separate and die.

You can find more information about harmful algae in South Carolina under the SCDEs on the Habs website and the algae blossom -monitoring card. Those with questions can also contact the Bureau of Water from Scdes under 803-898-8374.

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