Pond in Wake Forest closed after sewage leak causes toxic algae bloom

The city of Wake Forest closed access to Joyner Park Pond on Friday after detecting a dangerous red algae bloom.

In a press release, the city's public relations director said an investigation found the contamination was caused by a leak in a sewer line.

Contact with red algae can make people and pets sick, so park visitors are currently prohibited from fishing in the pond or letting their pets swim or drink from it. Access to the pond's adjacent trail is also closed.

Nick Nolte, stormwater disposal manager, said Raleigh officials cleared the blockage that caused the leak around 1 a.m. Saturday, but they still aren't sure when the pond will be able to reopen.

Nolte said algal blooms are caused by an excess of nutrients in the water.

“If the water also contains a lot of oxygen, there is plenty of sunlight and warm weather, the conditions for them to bloom are almost ideal,” he said.

These flowers are poisonous to humans and animals, said Nolte.

The city administration advised visitors to seek immediate veterinary attention if their dog has been near an algal bloom and begins vomiting, staggering, drooling or having seizures.