Recreational Watch Lifted for Lake Hartwell
Today (July 1, 2025), the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) lifted the Recreational Water Watch for Lake Hartwell, which was first issued on April 30 following confirmation of a harmful algal bloom (HAB) on the lake.
On June 30, teams from SCDES’s Aquatic Science Division (ASD) surveyed the lake and did not observe the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), which initially prompted the Recreational Water Watch.
While the bloom has diminished in most areas and the Recreational Water Watch has been lifted, SCDES continues to encourage caution when using or recreating in coves and near the shore where the HAB may be found. The most common symptoms associated with HABs are stomach pain, skin rash, headache, coughing, and watery eyes. If a pet displays symptoms after coming into contact with a HAB, please consult with your veterinarian.
SCDES will continue to monitor Lake Hartwell and communicate with local officials, stakeholders, and the public.
As a reminder, HABs are a common occurrence in South Carolina lakes. They are typically observed during the warmer and drier months, and they can persist for several weeks. The blooms can look like bright green spilled paint or blue-green discoloration of the water. With cooler temperatures, heavy winds, and rain, blooms may begin to break up and die off.
For more information, contact SCDES’s Bureau of Water at 803-898-8374 or by email at [email protected]. If calling after hours, please leave a message that can be returned.
For additional information about harmful algae in South Carolina, visit the SCDES HABs webpage and Algal Bloom Monitoring Map.