Lake Wylie Faces New Challenge: Toxic Algae on the Rise

Lake Wylie Faces New Challenge: Toxic Algae on the Rise

In the scenic city of Lake Wylie, residents are becoming increasingly concerned about the encroachment of a troublesome aquatic invader known as lyngbya—a type of blue-green algae. At a recent meeting of the York County Council, marine commission director Neil Brennan made it clear that this thick, smelly algae is becoming a growing problem in our beloved lake.

What is Lyngbya?

Lyngbya isn’t just an unsightly blot on the water’s surface; it poses potential health risks. It can cause sickness in both humans and pets who come into contact with the algae. This ugly green menace covers about 5 acres of Lake Wylie right now, but its cousins in nearby waters offer a scary glimpse into how quickly it could expand. For example, Lake Norman is dealing with about 10 acres, and Mountain Island Lake is even worse with 20 acres of it!

For those unaware, lyngbya is classified as a harmful algal bloom, which means it grows in thick mats or scums on the water’s surface. It’s a sight you wish you could unsee! Imagine a floating layer that looks like wet tobacco—yuck! It thrives on nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, usually ramping up its growth during warm weather.

Health Risks Galore

The consequences of an unchecked algal bloom can be severe. Swimming, kayaking, or even wading into water containing lyngbya can make you—and your furry friends—very sick. Pets are particularly at risk and could show symptoms like labored breathing, seizures, and other neurological issues after being exposed.

Just a few years back, there were alarming reports of dogs dying after drinking or swimming in water tainted with these blooms. The local health departments are putting out alerts to remind us to keep our pets away from suspicious-looking water.

Keeping Costs Down

While the situation is serious, it’s not without avenues of hope. To tackle the growing problem, the marine commission will be asking for funding for a $31,000 treatment plan. After all, they can’t solve this problem alone. Collaboration among the three counties surrounding Lake Wylie—York, Mecklenburg, and Gaston—is crucial. As Brennan put it, “This is a bigger elephant than we can handle with our budgets here.”

Working closely with organizations like Duke Energy and various state environmental agencies will be key to financing a solution. Some lakes have invested substantial amounts of money in treatment plans, like Lake Gaston, which spent over $700,000 on treatments three years ago!

Symposium and Future Plans

In a bid to strategize, the marine commission is planning a symposium this December to discuss controlling the blooms and finding effective ways to treat the lake. They’ve already begun measures, with a pilot study identifying the 5 acres of lyngbya on our lake, but much more work lies ahead.

Against the backdrop of Lake Wylie’s tranquil beauty, this issue serves as a stark reminder that nature can throw unexpected challenges our way. It puts the spotlight on how vital it is to remain vigilant regarding our waterways. No one wants to put their family or pets at risk while enjoying the simple pleasures of lakeside living.

As we navigate through the changing winds, let’s keep our eyes peeled and engage in conversations to help preserve what makes Lake Wylie a treasure for all of us. Tackling this algae problem will take teamwork, creativity, and, most importantly, a commitment to keeping our lake a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.