Local

8 more ponds in Mecklenburg County test positive for toxic blue-green algae

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Eight more ponds in Mecklenburg County have tested positive for toxic blue-green algae.

Officials said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services tested 31 public parks for the toxic version of blue-green algae and eight of them tested positive.

[PAST COVERAGE: Pond at popular Charlotte park tests positive for toxic algae harmful to humans, pets]

In a report released Friday, officials said Park Road Park, Freedom Park, Belle Johnson Community Center, Clarks Creek Nature Preserve, Robbins Park, Roosevelt Wilson Park and Squirrel Lake Park all had active toxic algae blooms.

Warning signs were posted at all eight locations.

Park visitors are encouraged to avoid contact with the ponds and to not let pets enter or drink from the water.

If the algae gets on your skin, it can cause a rash. When ingested, it releases toxins and attacks the liver.

This comes weeks after several area parks tested positive for the algae and three dogs died after being exposed to it while swimming in a pond in Wilmington.

Officials said even parks that tested negative could develop the toxic algae, so it's best to stay out of water with surface scum and discoloration.

The toxic levels are expected to drop once temperatures cool down.