Algae Bloom In Cornelius Pond Prompts Warning For People, Pets

CORNELIUS, NC — The Town of Cornelius is warning people to keep themselves and their pets out of the water at Robbins Park after a toxic blue-green algae bloom was discovered in the southern pond. The news comes less than a week after three dogs died within hours of swimming in a pond with blue-green algae in the eastern end of the state.

The Town of Cornelius posted “Closed for Maintenance” signs on the pond’s shore near the lime swirls of an algae on the water’s surface. The signs included an explanation that it was a cyanobateria alert, and that people should keep pets out of the water.

“Swimming by dogs or people is prohibited,” the sign said.

The notice comes days after Wilmington residents Melissa Martin and Denise Mintz took their three dogs — two West Highland terriers and a goldendoodle mix — on a doggie playdate to swim in a pond and play in the mud. Within minutes of leaving the pond, one of the dogs began having a seizure, owner Melissa Martin said on Facebook. By the end of the night, all three dogs were dead, the victims of blue-green algae poisoning, according to the dog owners.

SEE ALSO: 3 Dogs Die After Swimming In NC Pond With Toxic Algae Bloom

The town reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, which tested the pond water at Robbins Park and Westmoreland Athletic Complex, and confirmed the presence of cyanobateria, WBTV reported. A pond management company has been contracted to treat the water, the station said.

What is toxic blue-green algae, and why is it bad?

According to the North Carolina Health and Human Services, cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, is tiny microscopic plant organisms that live in water and is increasingly being found in fresh water throughout the state.

"When conditions are right, blue-green algae can multiply and accumulate rapidly, causing a 'bloom,'" NCDHHS said. "The algae bloom may turn the water neon green, blue-green, or reddish-brown; may cause a bad smell and taste in the water; and may form a foam or scum on the water's surface. The algae may periodically use up oxygen in the water, killing fish."

The algae can affect people and animals, too, by causing skin and respiratory irritations, as well as producing chemicals that are toxic when untreated water is consumed.

"The presence or absence of a bad smell or taste is not a reliable indicator of the presence or absence of algal toxins in the water," NCDHHS said.

Here are some precautions to use when you see blue-green algae, according to North Carolina public health officials:

• Keep children and pets away from waters that appear discolored or scummy.
• Do not handle or touch large accumulations ("scums" or mats) of algae.
• Do not water ski or jet ski over algal mats.
• Do not use scummy water for cleaning or irrigation.
• If you accidentally come into contact with an algal bloom, wash thoroughly.
• If your pet appears to stumble, stagger, or collapse after being in a pond, lake or river, seek veterinary care immediately.
• If your child appears ill after being in waters containing a bloom, seek medical care immediately.
• If you are unsure whether or not a bloom is present, it is best to stay out of the water.