CORNELIUS, N.C. — Officials say the clock is ticking, as the number of blue-green algae continues to grow in Lake Norman.
Cornelius leaders said currently, blue-green algae make up a small amount of the algae on Lake Norman. But they said it could be difficult to manage as it continues to spread rapidly.
"I've seen Lake Norman look more dingy than it normally is," resident Brandon Gray said. "If you let it go too long you can start having some major issues pop up."
The impact of this bacteria weighs heavily on residents and community leaders.
A scientist with Duke Energy said they detected the blue-green algae early with less than half an acre of water impacted. However, the rate the algae is spreading is causing some concerns since it has increased by 100% in the last two years.
"The primary drivers [of blue-green algae] are things like nutrients and sunlight availability," Duke Energy scientist Brett Hartest said.
County leaders say one of the biggest issues is getting funding for treatment. Tim Moore is currently working to get the bill passed through the North Carolina Senate.
Moore said most bills won't get the green light until June, a timeline that could allow even more bacteria to reproduce.
Now they're asking the four counties surrounding Lake Norman to help them reach their goal of $60,000 to start treating the water as soon as possible.
"There is lots of different research being done by folks at North Carolina State to try to address how to manage the species long term," Hartest said.
As county leaders receive funding they're expecting a four-year treatment plan to not only remove algae from the top of the water but also kill it on the bottom.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.