SCDES Issues Recreational HAB Watch for Broadway Lake in Anderson County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) today issued a Recreational Watch for Broadway Lake in Anderson County after identifying the presence of a harmful algal bloom (HAB).
On June 11, SCDES was notified of a potential HAB on Broadway Lake. Samples collected by staff indicated the presence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) capable of producing cyanotoxins. Cyanotoxin analysis of the samples is underway with results expected next week.
SCDES is in communication with Anderson County officials and will continue monitor this event. Current recommendations are to:
avoid direct contact with lake water in areas where the HAB is observed
keep pets and animals from swimming in or drinking from the lake in areas where the HAB is observed
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.
If a pet displays symptoms after coming into contact with a HAB, please consult with your veterinarian.
For more information, contact SCDES’s Bureau of Water at 803-898-8374 or by email at HAB@des.sc.gov. If calling after hours, please leave a message that can be returned. For additional information about harmful algae in South Carolina, including Frequently Asked Questions, visit the SCDES HABs webpage and Algal Bloom Monitoring Map.
