Fighting Algal BloomsAfter an absence of 25-30 years, algal blooms have returned to parts of the Chowan River, Edenton Bay, Albemarle Sound, Little River, Perquimans River, and Pasquotank River. The summer blooms in 2015-2020 triggered state advisories for swimming and consuming fish. We are working to determine the specific causes of the blooms, and to provide timely and practical information for blooms in 2021.
Current News
View Regional Water Quality Data Citizen scientists have been collecting water quality data at sites across the region since 2018 in order to help determine nutrient hot spots that may be contributing to algal blooms. Click here to see the map and data. Understanding Water Quality Data and Addressing Nutrient Hotspots The water quality data collected by citizen scientists since 2018 is helping us identify nutrient hotspots in Northeastern NC. With this information we can develop Best Management Practices, and other actions, to help reduce targeted nutrients in hot-spot watersheds. For more information see the documents below that summarize water quality data from 2018 to June, 2021 from creeks in Chowan, Perquimans, and Pasquotank counties.
The ARC&D, Albemarle Commission, and Chowan Soil and Water hosted a meeting in Edenton on February 5th, 2020 to share current research and information on algal blooms in area waters. Thirty three scientists, conservation professionals and local government representatives participated in the meeting, which provided clear direction for future research to identify the causes of, and solutions to, the algal blooms. Click here to read a 2-page fact sheet. Click here to read the regional study by Dr. Hans Paerl and Dr. Nathan Hall at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences: Quantitative Evaluation of Nutrient Sources to the Albemarle Sound System. The study was funded by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund under a regional planning grant to the Albemarle Commission. Algal Blooms -- What Have We Learned? Thirty-three scientists, conservation professionals and local government officials came together in Edenton February 5th, 2020 to share current research and knowledge about algal blooms in Albemarle waters. This was the third meeting in a 3-year planning grant funded by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Click here to read the meeting notes. Two-Page Fact Sheet on Algal Blooms Learn more about algal blooms. Good Water Quality Starts at Home!
The algal blooms in our waterways are a result of poor water quality. The blooms are fed by warm temperatures, and too much nutrients in the water, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus. The nutrients are often carried by stormwater and may come from a number of sources including residential yards, agricultural operations, and commercial and industrial sites. Identifying the specific sources of the nutrients, and the actions to reduce them, requires good science and broad public participation. However, each resident can take specific actions now to help improve water quality. Read the Fact Sheet on What You Can Do to Love Your River Water Quality Call To Action Eight counties around the Albemarle Sound and the Albemarle District of Soil and Water, which covers five counties, have adopted and sent to legislators a resolution to strengthen critical drainage and water quality infrastructure. Now individuals can sign the resolution on-line. With algal blooms popping up across the region, please take a minute to make your voice heard: https://www.greensavesgreen.org/call-to-action Help Map Algal Blooms! Click here to help report and map algal blooms in Albemarle waters at the NC Water Resources Division website. |
Algal blooms are fed by warm temperatures, sunlight and too much nutrients in the water, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus carried by stormwater runoff. Stormwater in our region flows through drainage canals, creeks and rivers to the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. Stormwater can be exposed to nutrients and pesticides from agricultural fields and lawns, oil and grease from roads, parking lots, and other pollutants from septic tank systems, solid waste storage and processing sites, and commercial properties.
Economic Impact Widespread and persistent algal blooms negatively impact recreational boating, fishing and nature tourism, which are important drivers for regional economic growth. The greatest direct impact to local economies from algal blooms may be a decrease in waterfront property values. Lake Champlain in Vermont is a current, well-documented example. A recent study of the potential impact of algal blooms on waterfront property values in Chowan, Perquimans and Pasquotank counties found that a 10% reduction in property values would reduce annual tax revenues by $226,292, $229,996, and $390,122, respectively. Decreases in annual tax revenues at these levels would most likely have a negative impact on each county’s ability to provide basic services. Read the study. A 2016 study sponsored by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) provides information on the economic value of natural resources in the region. The value of many natural resources in the region would be negatively impacted by annual, widespread and persistent algal blooms. Read the report: Economic Valuation of the Albemarle-Pamlico Watershed’s Natural Resources. Each resident can help reduce pollutants carried in stormwater. Please read more about what you can do to reduce pollutants and help prevent algal blooms in our shared waters. 
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring System Cyanobacterial Monitoring in the Albemarle Sound. 
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Partnership to Monitor Water Quality in Albemarle Waters
The ARC&D is collaborating with the Albemarle Commission, Chowan-Edenton Environmental Group (CEEG), Green Saves Green, Perquimans County Waterway Watch, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and local governments to monitor water quality in rivers and creeks in the region. Citizen scientists are collecting water samples from key locations and sending them to two labs for analysis. Identifying nutrient hotspots and the sources of nutrients are key steps for developing an effective program to combat algal blooms. Click here to see the map and data.
Algal Blooms in Albemarle Waters -- What We Know and What We Need to Study
The ARC&D, Albemarle Commission, and Chowan Soil and Water hosted a meeting in Edenton on February 5th, 2020 to share current research and information on algal blooms in area waters. Thirty three scientists, conservation professionals and local government representatives participated in the meeting, which provided clear direction for future research to identify the causes of, and solutions to, the algal blooms. Click here to read a 2-page fact sheet.
Algal Blooms -- What Have We Learned?
Thirty-three scientists, conservation professionals and local government officials came together in Edenton February 5th, 2020 to share current research and knowledge about algal blooms in Albemarle waters. This was the third meeting in a 3-year planning grant funded by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Click here to read the meeting notes.
Algal Bloom Planning Meeting - January 30th, 2019 in Edenton
Eighteen people from universities, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and volunteer groups gathered in Edenton on January 30th, 2019 to share information on the potential causes of, and solutions to, algal blooms in Albemarle waters, which have occurred each year since 2015. Research is focusing on nutrient hotspots in the Chowan and Pasquotank River Basins.
At the CEEG event on 8/25/18, Mark Powell, ARC&D Consultant provided information on the broad partnership of local and regional non-profits, state and federal agencies, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, towns, counties, and local farmers that are working together to determine the drivers of algal blooms, and to implement Best Management Practices to reduce nutrients and sediment flowing to creeks, rivers, bays and sounds. The current planning effort is funded through a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and matching funds from the Albemarle Commission. Click here to see the PowerPoint presentation.
This regional effort is funded by grants from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the US Fish and Wildlife Service - Partners for Fish and Wildlife, and the many volunteer citizen scientists who are donating their time.
The ARC&D is collaborating with the Albemarle Commission, Chowan-Edenton Environmental Group (CEEG), Green Saves Green, Perquimans County Waterway Watch, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and local governments to monitor water quality in rivers and creeks in the region. Citizen scientists are collecting water samples from key locations and sending them to two labs for analysis. Identifying nutrient hotspots and the sources of nutrients are key steps for developing an effective program to combat algal blooms. Click here to see the map and data.
Algal Blooms in Albemarle Waters -- What We Know and What We Need to Study
The ARC&D, Albemarle Commission, and Chowan Soil and Water hosted a meeting in Edenton on February 5th, 2020 to share current research and information on algal blooms in area waters. Thirty three scientists, conservation professionals and local government representatives participated in the meeting, which provided clear direction for future research to identify the causes of, and solutions to, the algal blooms. Click here to read a 2-page fact sheet.
Algal Blooms -- What Have We Learned?
Thirty-three scientists, conservation professionals and local government officials came together in Edenton February 5th, 2020 to share current research and knowledge about algal blooms in Albemarle waters. This was the third meeting in a 3-year planning grant funded by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Click here to read the meeting notes.
Algal Bloom Planning Meeting - January 30th, 2019 in Edenton
Eighteen people from universities, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and volunteer groups gathered in Edenton on January 30th, 2019 to share information on the potential causes of, and solutions to, algal blooms in Albemarle waters, which have occurred each year since 2015. Research is focusing on nutrient hotspots in the Chowan and Pasquotank River Basins.
At the CEEG event on 8/25/18, Mark Powell, ARC&D Consultant provided information on the broad partnership of local and regional non-profits, state and federal agencies, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, towns, counties, and local farmers that are working together to determine the drivers of algal blooms, and to implement Best Management Practices to reduce nutrients and sediment flowing to creeks, rivers, bays and sounds. The current planning effort is funded through a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and matching funds from the Albemarle Commission. Click here to see the PowerPoint presentation.
This regional effort is funded by grants from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the US Fish and Wildlife Service - Partners for Fish and Wildlife, and the many volunteer citizen scientists who are donating their time.
Algal blooms were a major problem in the 1970's and 1980's.
"... we need the support of every citizen who lives in the Chowan River Basin to make the Chowan Restoration Project successful. The nutrients we must control don't come from one or two specific sources, and all sources must do their share in the clean up. Restoration may mean changes in some of our farming practices, a change in some municipal sewage treatment plants, and changes in industrial waste disposal practices. In the short run, it may seem inconvenient to take these actions. In the long run, it will benefit every citizen in the Chowan River Basin." Governor Jim Hunt, 1979. Read the 1979 NC and VA Chowan River Restoration Plan
"... we need the support of every citizen who lives in the Chowan River Basin to make the Chowan Restoration Project successful. The nutrients we must control don't come from one or two specific sources, and all sources must do their share in the clean up. Restoration may mean changes in some of our farming practices, a change in some municipal sewage treatment plants, and changes in industrial waste disposal practices. In the short run, it may seem inconvenient to take these actions. In the long run, it will benefit every citizen in the Chowan River Basin." Governor Jim Hunt, 1979. Read the 1979 NC and VA Chowan River Restoration Plan
Algal Blooms in Albemarle Waters - What We Know and Do Not Know
To understand why the blooms have returned, NCDEQ Water Resources is analyzing water quality data from monitoring stations on the Chowan River, Little River and Albemarle Sound. The preliminary analysis of data is helping us better understand what is changing in Albemarle waters, how the changes may be contributing to algal blooms, and the action items needed to effectively address the blooms.
Read a summary: Algal Blooms in Albemarle Waters - What We Know and Do Not Know
To understand why the blooms have returned, NCDEQ Water Resources is analyzing water quality data from monitoring stations on the Chowan River, Little River and Albemarle Sound. The preliminary analysis of data is helping us better understand what is changing in Albemarle waters, how the changes may be contributing to algal blooms, and the action items needed to effectively address the blooms.
Read a summary: Algal Blooms in Albemarle Waters - What We Know and Do Not Know
What are algal blooms? |
Algae are very tiny, often microscopic, plants or plantlike organisms that live in water or damp areas. One type of freshwater algae increasingly seen in North Carolina is cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), which may actually look reddish-brown as well as bright green or blue-green. Many types of algae flourish in water bodies with poor water flow, especially during the hot months of the year.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reports that there are no documented reports of people getting sick from blue-green algae in North Carolina. However, DHHS recommends that people follow these common-sense, practical precautions around blue-green algae blooms:
The Centers for Disease Control has extensive information on harmful algal blooms including fact sheets and posters.
See the the US EPA site Monitoring and Responding to Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxin in Recreational Waters for more information. |
What causes algal blooms? |
Algal blooms need:
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What can I do?
Visit the US EPA website on nutrient pollution to learn how you can help prevent algal blooms:
Report a fish kill or algal bloom to DEQ Water Resources
NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has an outreach and education toolkit for stormwater and runoff pollution.
NCDEQ Water - Education and Technical Assistance Portal
NCDEQ Algal Bloom Webpage
NCDEQ Fact Sheets
Visit the US EPA website on nutrient pollution to learn how you can help prevent algal blooms:
- In your home
- In your yard
- In your community
- In your classroom
Report a fish kill or algal bloom to DEQ Water Resources
NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has an outreach and education toolkit for stormwater and runoff pollution.
NCDEQ Water - Education and Technical Assistance Portal
- Water U Know! - What is algae? How does a wastewater plant work? the science of water and lots more ...
- Ground Water - Dig deep - great things are brewing below the surface
- It's Our Water - Water quality curriculum for North Carolina 8th grade science and high school Earth/Environmental Science
- Project Wet - Water Education for Teachers
- Stream Watch - This program encourages neighbors, civic groups and businesses to adopt a local stream
- Improving Water Quality in Your Own Back Yard
- Water Quality - We All Play a Part
- Caring for Your Lawn and the Environment (NC State / NC Cooperative Extension link)
- DEQ Office of Environmental Education
NCDEQ Algal Bloom Webpage
NCDEQ Fact Sheets
- NC DEQ Algae & Aquatic Plants
- NC DEQ Algae & Aquatic Plant Fact Sheets
- NC DEQ Stormwater Brochure
- Water Quality: Development & Stormwater Fact Sheet
- Water Quality: Estuaries & Polluted Runoff Fact Sheet
- Stormwater Ponds: Improving Aesthetics, Value & Function Fact Sheet
- Trees & Plants: Benefits to the Community
The Importance of Constructed Wetlands for Filtering Stormwater
The Albemarle RC&D Council partners with local governments, state and federal agencies, schools and other non-profit groups in 10 counties around the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds to implement projects that balance resource conservation and economic development. In response to increasing development in the region and its impact on water quality, the RC&D Council and its partners have secured millions of dollars of grant funds to protect land and water resources. Projects have restored eroded shorelines, conserved wetland forests, developed watershed management plans, and constructed about 70 acres of stormwater wetlands on commercial, residential and public properties. The wetlands also serve as outdoor environmental education classrooms for local schools, county and town planners, and the general public. For more information, please click this link to read about some of the land and water conservation projects that the council and its partners have implemented over the last 45 years.
The Albemarle RC&D Council is working with partners in Perquimans and Pasquotank counties to improve water quality in the Little River watershed. The project constructed 6,800 ft of in-stream wetlands on main drainage canals in 2016, and 3,200 ft in-stream wetland will be constructed in 2018 with a new EPA 319 grant. Read more about the effort to restore the Little River watershed.
The Albemarle RC&D Council partners with local governments, state and federal agencies, schools and other non-profit groups in 10 counties around the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds to implement projects that balance resource conservation and economic development. In response to increasing development in the region and its impact on water quality, the RC&D Council and its partners have secured millions of dollars of grant funds to protect land and water resources. Projects have restored eroded shorelines, conserved wetland forests, developed watershed management plans, and constructed about 70 acres of stormwater wetlands on commercial, residential and public properties. The wetlands also serve as outdoor environmental education classrooms for local schools, county and town planners, and the general public. For more information, please click this link to read about some of the land and water conservation projects that the council and its partners have implemented over the last 45 years.
The Albemarle RC&D Council is working with partners in Perquimans and Pasquotank counties to improve water quality in the Little River watershed. The project constructed 6,800 ft of in-stream wetlands on main drainage canals in 2016, and 3,200 ft in-stream wetland will be constructed in 2018 with a new EPA 319 grant. Read more about the effort to restore the Little River watershed.
The Importance of Riparian Forests for Storing and Filtering Stormwater
Riparian forests, commonly cypress and gum in NE NC, are critical for storing and filtering stormwater, and providing key habitat for fish and wildlife. Riparian forests are slow growing and there is a lack of information on how recent, wide-spread clearcutting is impacting water temperature and nutrient release into waterways, in particular the Chowan River.
Key research questions related to the algal blooms include:
Compared with the control creek, the post-clearcut Goshen Swamp displayed significantly higher suspended solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and fecal coliform bacteria, and significantly lower dissolved oxygen over a 15 month period. Longer-term deleterious effects included recurrent nuisance algal blooms that had not been present during the 2 1/2 years before the clearcut. Although a 10m uncut buffer zone was left streamside, this was insufficient to prevent the above impacts to stream water quality.
A 1983 study of land-use, nutrient yield and eutrophication in the Chowan River basin found that swamp forests removed 83% of the total N and 51% of the total P in streams passing through these wetlands (Craig and Kuenzler, 1983). The study concluded that due to the importance of swamp forests as nutrient buffers, special protection should be given to these areas. Read the 1983 study by Craig and Kuenzler.
In a 2014 study, Sweeney and Newbold found that based on the literature on eight major stream or streamside ecosystem factors (prop-
erties, components, or functions), that streamside forest buffers ≥30 m wide are needed to protect water quality, habitat, and biotic features of streams associated with watersheds ≤100 km2 , or about fifth order or smaller in size. Read the 2014 study.
For more information on the importance of riparian forest buffers read: North Carolina’s RIPARIAN BUFFERS: A Scientific Review
The 2016 report offers these key findings:
Riparian forests, commonly cypress and gum in NE NC, are critical for storing and filtering stormwater, and providing key habitat for fish and wildlife. Riparian forests are slow growing and there is a lack of information on how recent, wide-spread clearcutting is impacting water temperature and nutrient release into waterways, in particular the Chowan River.
Key research questions related to the algal blooms include:
- Are there new sources of agricultural, residential, and industrial discharges in the Chowan watershed that are contributing significantly to the algal blooms?
- Is the clearcutting of riparian forests in the Chowan watershed significantly increasing water temperature in the Chowan River and its tributaries?
- Is increased decomposition of soils in riparian clearcuts causing a release of nitrogen and phosphorus in quantities that are stimulating algal blooms?
Compared with the control creek, the post-clearcut Goshen Swamp displayed significantly higher suspended solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen and fecal coliform bacteria, and significantly lower dissolved oxygen over a 15 month period. Longer-term deleterious effects included recurrent nuisance algal blooms that had not been present during the 2 1/2 years before the clearcut. Although a 10m uncut buffer zone was left streamside, this was insufficient to prevent the above impacts to stream water quality.
A 1983 study of land-use, nutrient yield and eutrophication in the Chowan River basin found that swamp forests removed 83% of the total N and 51% of the total P in streams passing through these wetlands (Craig and Kuenzler, 1983). The study concluded that due to the importance of swamp forests as nutrient buffers, special protection should be given to these areas. Read the 1983 study by Craig and Kuenzler.
In a 2014 study, Sweeney and Newbold found that based on the literature on eight major stream or streamside ecosystem factors (prop-
erties, components, or functions), that streamside forest buffers ≥30 m wide are needed to protect water quality, habitat, and biotic features of streams associated with watersheds ≤100 km2 , or about fifth order or smaller in size. Read the 2014 study.
For more information on the importance of riparian forest buffers read: North Carolina’s RIPARIAN BUFFERS: A Scientific Review
The 2016 report offers these key findings:
- Buffer width is crucial: riparian buffers with widths of 100 ft to 165 ft have been found to reduce total nitrogen loadings to streams by as much as 85% or more.
- Pollutant removal efficiencies decrease sharply as buffer width decreases. North Carolina research in the Neuse basin coastal plain found that 49 ft buffers reduced nitrogen by 48%, while 26 ft buffers only reduced nitrogen by 28%.
- For 50 ft buffers such as those currently required by state rules, North Carolina research indicates that the factors most directly shaping their effectiveness are whether they have a high water table and extensive woody vegetation.
Bloom Reports in 2017-2020
Division of Water Resources October 21, 2020 algal bloom report for the Perquimans River at Hertford.
Division of Water Resources July 9, 2020 algal bloom report for the Chowan River.
Algal Bloom Update 9/11/19 Albemarle Sound. Read the report from NC DEQ.
Algal Bloom Update 9/12/19 Chowan River. Read the report from NC DEQ.
Algal Bloom Update 7/5/19 - Little River. Read the report from NC DEQ.
Algal Bloom Update 6/20/19 - Chowan River Near US 17 Bridge. Read the report from NC DEQ.
NC DEQ Issues Advisory on Algal Blooms 6/11/19
Read the advisory.
Algal Bloom Update 6/1/19 - Little River
ARC&D Council member Rodney Johnson is reporting a 1,600 acre algal bloom in the Little River. Water samples collected mid-May by Rodney and his Green $aves Green team indicate that high amounts of phosphorus are entering the river through some of its tributaries.
Click to see a map of the bloom.
Algal Bloom Update 5/31/19 - Chowan River Near Colerain
Read the report from NC DEQ.
Algal Bloom Update 5/29/19
There have been reports of algal blooms on the Chowan River near Harrellsville, the boat basin on the Edenton waterfront, and some canals on the Little River. Also a small bloom on the east side of the Perquimans River. These localized blooms are in areas with slow water movement, generally on the east side of rivers where water and nutrients are pushed in by summer southwest winds. We have not heard so far of any extensive blooms in the Chowan River or Albemarle Sound.
Algal Bloom Update 5/16/19
Blooms were reported on the Chowan River near Harrellsville, and on the Perquimans River near Hertford. Read the report from the NC Division of Water Resources.
Chowan River at Wharf Landing 8/30/18. Read the report.
Chowan River at Colerain Update 8/14/18
Read the Division of Water Resources Algal Bloom Report
Chowan River at Wharf Landing and Edenton Bay Update 8/14/18
Read the Division of Water Resources Algal Bloom Report
Albemarle Sound -- Frog Island and Harvey and Mill Points Update 8/14/18
Read the Division of Water Resources Algal Bloom Report
NC DEQ Issues Advisory for Algal Blooms 8/8/18
State reminds public to avoid algal blooms in Chowan River area.
Read the advisory.
Algal Bloom Update 8/5/18:
A blue-green algal bloom is occurring on the Chowan River at the US 17 bridge from the east shoreline to the middle of the river and to the north. It also extends eastward into the Albemarle Sound past Wharf Landing. A report this morning has a small bloom off Edenton Bay Development Phase I. Some patches of blue-green algal blooms are popping up along the Edenton waterfront. Blooms also have been reported on the Chowan River at Colerain and Chowan Beach.
Algal Bloom Update 6/21/18
The Chowan Edenton Environmental Group (CEEG) pulled shoreline samples on Tuesday. No blue-green algae were found at Arrowhead Beach, Chowan River Bridge, Edenton Town Dock, Fish and Wildlife dock near the airport, or on the Yeopim River. But Chowan Beach was full of Microcystis and Anabaena - not bloom status percentages yet from slide coverage (as of Tuesday) but likely to get worse with the warm temperatures. Many thanks to CEEG citizen scientists for tracking the blooms and keeping the public informed!
Albemarle Sound UPDATE August 4, 2017
The Estuarine Monitoring Team (EMT) collected samples for algal analysis in response to a citizen’s complaint at Cypress Shores in Roper on August 2nd.
Read the August 4 algal bloom report from NC Division of Water Resources
Little River UPDATE July 21, 2017
Division of Marine Fisheries personnel investigated an algal bloom on the Little River.
Read the July 21 algal bloom report from NC Division of Water Resources
Chowan River UPDATE July 14, 2017
Blue and white waters with a strong smell were observed in the Chowan River on July 10th. The Estuarine Monitoring Team (EMT) collected samples for algal analysis off Ferry Road near Rockyhock, NC.
Read the July 14 algal bloom report from NC Division of Water Resources.
Division of Water Resources October 21, 2020 algal bloom report for the Perquimans River at Hertford.
Division of Water Resources July 9, 2020 algal bloom report for the Chowan River.
Algal Bloom Update 9/11/19 Albemarle Sound. Read the report from NC DEQ.
Algal Bloom Update 9/12/19 Chowan River. Read the report from NC DEQ.
Algal Bloom Update 7/5/19 - Little River. Read the report from NC DEQ.
Algal Bloom Update 6/20/19 - Chowan River Near US 17 Bridge. Read the report from NC DEQ.
NC DEQ Issues Advisory on Algal Blooms 6/11/19
Read the advisory.
Algal Bloom Update 6/1/19 - Little River
ARC&D Council member Rodney Johnson is reporting a 1,600 acre algal bloom in the Little River. Water samples collected mid-May by Rodney and his Green $aves Green team indicate that high amounts of phosphorus are entering the river through some of its tributaries.
Click to see a map of the bloom.
Algal Bloom Update 5/31/19 - Chowan River Near Colerain
Read the report from NC DEQ.
Algal Bloom Update 5/29/19
There have been reports of algal blooms on the Chowan River near Harrellsville, the boat basin on the Edenton waterfront, and some canals on the Little River. Also a small bloom on the east side of the Perquimans River. These localized blooms are in areas with slow water movement, generally on the east side of rivers where water and nutrients are pushed in by summer southwest winds. We have not heard so far of any extensive blooms in the Chowan River or Albemarle Sound.
Algal Bloom Update 5/16/19
Blooms were reported on the Chowan River near Harrellsville, and on the Perquimans River near Hertford. Read the report from the NC Division of Water Resources.
Chowan River at Wharf Landing 8/30/18. Read the report.
Chowan River at Colerain Update 8/14/18
Read the Division of Water Resources Algal Bloom Report
Chowan River at Wharf Landing and Edenton Bay Update 8/14/18
Read the Division of Water Resources Algal Bloom Report
Albemarle Sound -- Frog Island and Harvey and Mill Points Update 8/14/18
Read the Division of Water Resources Algal Bloom Report
NC DEQ Issues Advisory for Algal Blooms 8/8/18
State reminds public to avoid algal blooms in Chowan River area.
Read the advisory.
Algal Bloom Update 8/5/18:
A blue-green algal bloom is occurring on the Chowan River at the US 17 bridge from the east shoreline to the middle of the river and to the north. It also extends eastward into the Albemarle Sound past Wharf Landing. A report this morning has a small bloom off Edenton Bay Development Phase I. Some patches of blue-green algal blooms are popping up along the Edenton waterfront. Blooms also have been reported on the Chowan River at Colerain and Chowan Beach.
Algal Bloom Update 6/21/18
The Chowan Edenton Environmental Group (CEEG) pulled shoreline samples on Tuesday. No blue-green algae were found at Arrowhead Beach, Chowan River Bridge, Edenton Town Dock, Fish and Wildlife dock near the airport, or on the Yeopim River. But Chowan Beach was full of Microcystis and Anabaena - not bloom status percentages yet from slide coverage (as of Tuesday) but likely to get worse with the warm temperatures. Many thanks to CEEG citizen scientists for tracking the blooms and keeping the public informed!
Albemarle Sound UPDATE August 4, 2017
The Estuarine Monitoring Team (EMT) collected samples for algal analysis in response to a citizen’s complaint at Cypress Shores in Roper on August 2nd.
Read the August 4 algal bloom report from NC Division of Water Resources
Little River UPDATE July 21, 2017
Division of Marine Fisheries personnel investigated an algal bloom on the Little River.
Read the July 21 algal bloom report from NC Division of Water Resources
Chowan River UPDATE July 14, 2017
Blue and white waters with a strong smell were observed in the Chowan River on July 10th. The Estuarine Monitoring Team (EMT) collected samples for algal analysis off Ferry Road near Rockyhock, NC.
Read the July 14 algal bloom report from NC Division of Water Resources.
Additional Resources
NC DHHS Algal Bloom Webpage
NC Coastal Federation Stormwater Resources
USGS Estuarine Monitoring Programs in the Albemarle Sound Study Area, North Carolina
NC DHHS Algal Bloom Webpage
NC Coastal Federation Stormwater Resources
USGS Estuarine Monitoring Programs in the Albemarle Sound Study Area, North Carolina
