06/11/2026
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issued a harmful algal bloom (HAB) Recreational Watch for certain areas of Lake Hartwell, om Wednesday, May 27th, following confirmed reports of a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom.
ARJWS understands that many residents may have concerns about the safety of our drinking water. We want to reassure you that the quality of our drinking water has not been impacted by the presence of this HAB, and it remains safe and unaffected at this time.
Confirmed bloom areas currently include:
• Eighteenmile Creek Lake and adjacent areas
• Tugaloo Lake Arm near Chicksaw Point
• Cove south of Providence Church Road in Anderson
To see these areas on a map, visit https://scdes.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4344886507b04e32987fd8b44f8ed7ed
ARJWS remains committed to delivering the highest quality water to our customers. To help us do this, there are a few easy ways that you can help protect water quality on Lake Hartwell.
1. Apply fertilizers correctly on lawns, gardens, and agricultural lands to limit nutrient runoff into nearby waterways.
2. Properly manage septic systems and prevent leaks that can introduce nutrients into surface water and groundwater.
3. Pick up pet waste and manage animal manure.
4. Allow native vegetation to grow near the water's edge instead of maintaining a manicured lawn all the way to the shoreline.
For more information on this HAB watch, visit https://www.des.sc.gov/programs/bureau-water/aquatic-science/harmful-algal-blooms
