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Cornelius using 'bubble' technology to remove toxic algae harmful to humans, pets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The town of Cornelius is using bubble technology to remove a bacteria that can be dangerous for people and pets.

Earlier this month, the pond in the Tall Oaks neighborhood tested positive for toxic blue green algae.

Monday, town officials told Channel 9 a Mooresville company is helping them remove the algae using "Nano Bubble Technology."

The tiny bubbles bring the algae to the surface. The town said it is the safest way because it doesn't require any chemicals.

The pond in Robbins Park also tested positive for the bacteria, officials said.

This news came after three dogs died of being exposed to the blue-green algae last week in a Wilmington pond.

[READ MORE: 3 dogs die after swimming in NC pond with blue-green algae]

A neighborhood resident said he was suspicious when he found hundreds of dead fish in the pond a couple of weeks ago.

"Nobody could believe all the fish died," the resident, who did not want to be identified, said. "It is scary not knowing what is going on."

"Dogs, they don't care. If it's hot, they're going to get in the water," said Rusty Rozzelle, who is the water quality program manager at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services. "And if they're in the water, they're going to drink it. They may even eat the algae and that's what gets them in trouble."

Rozzelle said the algae problem is more pronounced in ponds where the water is stagnant -- not so much for rivers or lakes.

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Hot conditions make the water a breeding ground for blooms.

"We'll have algae blooms and problems with algae blooms throughout the rest of the summer," Rozzelle said.

People and pets should stay away from water if there is green scum, discoloration or a foul order.

"If you have a pet, washing it with clean water, if it happens, to get in that water, and if it starts showing symptoms of being sick, to get it to the vet immediately because it does take effect very quickly," Rozzelle said.

The Wilmington dog owner is pushing for change.  She is contacting state lawmakers hoping to get warning signs posted near ponds and lakes.