
We nurture the community's wellbeing by practicing public health, meeting the needs of the present while planning for the future.
NEW: The Central Virginia Health District has an email that you can use to contact us! If you have any questions, email AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov and we will respond to you as soon as possible during normal business hours.
Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Advisory in Effect for Blackwater River Portion of Smith Mountain Lake
A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) advisory is in effect for the Blackwater River portion of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties. This means that you should avoid contact with the water in this part of the lake until the algae levels are lowered to an acceptable level.
The algal blooms create algal scum and a blue/green discoloration in the water. Do not go in the water if you see water with the algal bloom. Some algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) if you come into contact with it.
You can boat in areas with a harmful algal bloom, but you and your pets should avoid swimming, windsurfing, stand-up-paddle-boarding, or other activities where you could possibly end up drinking in water with the algal bloom. If you come into contact with a harmful algal bloom, wash yourself off with clean water and call your doctor if you start to feel sick.
The advisory is in place until harmful algal bloom levels go down to a safe level. To learn more information about staying safe from algal blooms and to see a map with the exact parts of Smith Mountain Lake under advisory, check out the Status Report.

Central Virginia Health District (CVHD)
Addressing the public health needs of the present while planning for the future of the CVHD
10 hours ago
1 day ago
3 days ago
3 days ago
4 days ago
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.