Tag: Water Resources

HEATHER NIX
Upstate Water Resource Agent

CHRISTOPHER LeMASTER
Area Livestock & Forage Agent

As we move into the warmer months, ensuring cattle have access to fresh, clean water is a primary management concern. Many producers rely on surface water sources; however, this practice introduces risks, most notably Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which can have rapid and fatal consequences for livestock. 

What are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)? 

 HABs include rapid overgrowths of cyanobacteria (formerly called blue-green algae) in water bodies. Unlike true algae, cyanobacteria can produce toxins that are harmful to humans, pets, and livestock. These blooms may appear as a “spilled paint” scum, pea soup, grass clippings, or thick mats on the water surface and can vary in color from blue to bright green to brownish-red. 

Effects on Cattle 

Cyanobacteria can produce over 1,000 types of poisonous compounds, known as cyanotoxins, which are released when the cells die and rupture. Cyanotoxins can attack the skin, liver, cells, or nervous system and can produce symptoms within minutes, days, or months following exposure. Health impacts depend on specific cyanotoxin(s), concentration, route of exposure (ingestion, contact, etc.), and length of exposure. Symptoms can vary widely, in livestock watch for skin rash or increased sensitivity to sun exposure, diarrhea, weakness, respiratory distress, muscle tremors, premature births, or fetal death.  

Prime Conditions for HAB Growth 

Cyanobacteria thrive when environmental conditions provide a “perfect storm” for growth: 

• Stagnant Water: Still or low-flow water, such as farm ponds or backwater areas. 

• Nutrient Rich: High levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, possibly from fertilizer runoff or direct manure input. 

• Warm Temperatures: Prolonged sunlight and warm water temperatures (above 77ºF) during warm weather. 

How to Monitor for HABs 

In 2025, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issued its first Recreational Watch after identifying toxin-producing HAB species in Lake Hartwell on April 30th, with the latest Recreational Advisory issued for Lake Thurmond on November 25th. Because of this wide window, producers should regularly inspect ponds and other water sources, especially on the downwind pond edges where wind and waves concentrate the blooms. 

• The Stick Test: If you can lift the algae out of the water with a stick, it is likely non-toxic filamentous algae. If it breaks apart and cannot be lifted or coats the stick like paint, it may be cyanobacteria. 

• The Jar Test: Place a water sample in a clear jar and refrigerate it overnight. If the algae floats to the surface, it is a strong indicator of cyanobacteria. 

• Submit a Sample: A Clemson University lab can confirm identification and provide management recommendations for $20 (in-state); samples can be dropped off at any county Extension office. Results typically take 7-10 business days. See Submitting an Algae Sample for Identification (https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/submitting-an-algae-sample-for-identification/) for more information.  

Action Steps: Response and Recovery 

If you suspect a bloom is present, take immediate action to protect your herd: 

1. Remove Animals (and People): Immediately exclude livestock from the suspected water source using temporary fencing or by moving the herd to a different pasture. 

2. Provide Alternative Water: Ensure animals have access to a clean, reliable supply, such as well water or a municipal source. Note: Be aware that even “clean” sources can become contaminated if equipment (troughs, hoses, or buckets) has been exposed to the bloom. Be sure water (in troughs) is regularly refreshed and thoroughly clean and flush any shared infrastructure. 

3. Report to the Clemson HAB Response Team: Contact your local Livestock or Water Resource Agent immediately. Our statewide response team can assist with rapid sampling and positive identification to determine if the bloom is toxic. Having pictures of the pond (or water source) and a water sample (including potential HAB growth) may be helpful. 

References 

• Do It Yourself: Visual Indicators, Stick Test, and Jar Test for Cyanobacteria. (2022). Nix HB, Hains J, Sahoo D, & White SA. HGIC 1899. Home & Garden Information Center by Clemson Extension. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/do-it-yourself-visual-indicators-stick-test-and-jar-test-for-cyanobacteria/ 

• Harmful Algal Blooms: Prevention, Response, and Avoidance Manual (2023). Nix, H., Sahoo, D., White, S. A., Hains, J., & Busari, I. Clemson Cooperative Extension. https://dc.statelibrary.sc.gov/entities/publication/1daac8c5-90c7-4c58-a1f4-7189188c085a 

• Livestock Ponds in South Carolina. (2023). Davis RH, Nix HB, White SA, & Smith WB. LGP1156. Clemson University Land-Grant Press. https://lgpress.clemson.edu/publication/livestock-ponds-in-south-carolina/  

• Livestock Water Quality. Clemson University Land-Grant Press. 

• Submitting an Algae Sample for Identification. (2025). Nix HB, Hains J, Williamson M, & Low D. HGIC 1889. Home & Garden Information Center by Clemson Extension. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/submitting-an-algae-sample-for-identification/ 

Photo Credit: Emily Bores, SCDES 

Heather Nix
Water Resource Agent
Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, & Spartanburg Counties

Water Quality Issues: Last year, harmful algal blooms (HABs) were plentiful and had a record long season, with SCDES identifying blooms in major reservoirs from 4/30/25 (Lake Hartwell) to 11/24/25 (J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir). We responded to many related complaints, including one that involved the deaths of 24 adult cows on a farm with cyanotoxin-producing HABs. In response, we are working to have new tools and materials available to improve and streamline responses later this year. Existing tools include several fact sheets, articles, manuals, a pocket field guide, and an online class – all available online at https://www.clemson.edu/extension/hab/materials.html.

Drought Status: Reports of low water levels in ponds are increasing across the Upstate.
As of 2/19/26, all of Cherokee County is experiencing some level of drought (see map), including
D2 Severe (northern ~61%) and D3 Extreme (southern ~39%).

Visit the US Drought Monitor website for updated weekly reports (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap.aspx). Submitting a report is quick and easy – and helps inform drought status decisions – visit the Condition Monitoring Observations Report website to get started (https://droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx)

By: Heather Nix, Upstate Regional Water Resource Agent

Water Quality Issues: Last year, harmful algal blooms (HABs) were plentiful and had a record
long season, with SCDES identifying blooms in major reservoirs from 4/30/25 (Lake Hartwell) to
11/24/25 (J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir). We responded to many related complaints, including
one that involved the deaths of 24 adult cows on a farm with cyanotoxin-producing HABs.
In response, we are working to have new tools and materials available to improve and
streamline responses later this year. Existing tools include several fact sheets, articles, manuals,
a pocket field guide, and an online class – all available online at
https://www.clemson.edu/extension/hab/materials.html

Drought Status: Reports of low water levels in ponds are increasing across the Upstate.
As of 2/10/26, all of Greenville County is experiencing some level of drought (see map),
including D3 Extreme (southern 30% of County), D2 Severe (middle ~50%), and D1 Moderate
(northwestern 20%).

Visit the US Drought Monitor website for updated weekly reports
(https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap.aspx). Submitting a report is quick and easy – and
helps inform drought status decisions – visit the Condition Monitoring Observations Report
website to get started (https://droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools).

By: Heather Nix, Water Resource Agent

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, many of us are reflecting on – or still recovering from – the damage it caused. One lesson is the importance of being prepared before the next storm arrives.

If your home relies on a private well for drinking water, it’s especially important to know how to disinfect your well after flooding. Floodwater can contaminate private wells with bacteria, sewage, fuel, and other pollutants. If this happens, shock chlorination is the standard way to disinfect it to remove the bacteria. If your well is contaminated with fuel or other pollutants, this method will not be effective. 

Supplies needed:

• Regular, unscented bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite) – about 1 gallon
  (Do NOT use: scented, no- or low-splash, or color-safe bleach)
• Waterproof gloves, eye protection
• Small funnel or 5-gallon bucket (optional)
• Tools to open well (if needed)

The Shock Chlorination Process

Below is a simplified overview of the steps. For detailed instructions, see these helpful resources:

• NC Department of Health & Human Services: Disinfecting Your Private Well with Liquid Bleach (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUKxtAbdbEg)
• University of Georgia: Disinfecting Your Well Water: Shock Chlorination (https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C858-4/disinfecting-your-well-water-shock-chlorination-2/)

STEP 1: CONFIRM ELECTRICITY IS OFF

1. Confirm electrical wiring to well has not been damaged and is turned off.
2. If wiring is damaged, do not proceed until it has been repaired and is safe to operate.

STEP 2: INSPECT THE WELL

1. Inspect well for damage (examples: cracked casing, missing cap, broken seal)
2. Inspect well and surrounding area for ongoing contamination (ex: sewer line break, dirty stormwater, oil/gas leaks)
3. The well must be repaired, with no active contamination, for disinfection to provide lasting results.

STEP 3: RUN WATER UNTIL CLEAR

1. Turn power on to well. Use caution!
2. If well is intact and there is no active contamination > run water from outside spigots until it appears clear.
3. Disinfection methods are less effective if water is not clear.

NOTE: If needed, collect water now for use during waiting period.

STEP 4: ADD BLEACH

1. Open well access (ex: plug, air vent, or lift entire well cover)
2. Pour bleach into the well casing. A funnel may help to direct bleach into the well.
3. See Disinfecting Your Water Well (https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/disinfecting-your-water-well-pub2733/pub2733 ) for instructions on calculating the correct amount of bleach for your well. If you cannot perform the calculations, one (1) gallon bleach is usually (more than) enough per residential well. 

STEP 5: CIRCULATE CHLORINE

1. Run water from outside hose into the well casing until you smell chlorine coming from the hose. Turn off outside hose.
2. Turn on all water faucets, inside and outside, until you smell chlorine at each. Then turn off all faucets.

STEP 6: WAIT

1. Do not use any water during the waiting period. Chlorine requires contact to disinfect.
2. Wait 8-18 hours before turning faucets back on. The high chlorine level will help disinfect the pipes but can be corrosive if left too long (24 hours maximum). *Use caution while any chlorine smell is present – bleach can burn eyes and irritate skin.

STEP 7: FLUSH THE SYSTEM

1. After the waiting period, turn on outside spigot and run water into an area where it will minimize damage (away from septic tanks, streams, etc.). This water contains high levels of chlorine and is not safe for human consumption or contact. The water may be used for cleaning (reminder – bleach may damage fabrics, clothes, etc.).
2. Run water until you no longer smell chlorine odor. Turn the water off.
3. Run water from inside faucets until you no longer smell chlorine odor. Turn the water off.

NOTE: The water should now be disinfected.

STEP 8: TEST THE WATER

1. After 3-7 days, the chlorine smell should be completely gone, and the well water should be tested for bacteria.
2. If available, have water tested professionally.
3. Otherwise, use DIY test kit to indicate presence of bacteria.

Preparing now helps ensure that you’ll be ready to keep your drinking water safe if the next storm impacts your private residential well.

Charly Greenthaler Water Resources

Are you a pond owner who always seems to struggle with algae or other aquatic weeds? It can seem like an ongoing battle each year that rears its head at the first sign of warm weather. Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to help manage aggressive plant growth! Step one is always IDENTIFICATION! With a correct ID of the species(s), your local Extension agent can help match management strategies for you!

 To learn more about seasonal strategies for pond management, check out Clemson’s Seasonal Pond Management Online Course.

Also, make sure to check out the new Harmful Algal Blooms Online Course, to help better understand how to recognize, prevent, and treat these algal blooms that can often interfere with water use and pose potential harm to people, pets, livestock, and wildlife.

Lastly, a Pond Management Workshop will be held on April 2nd at Sandhill Rec as a part of the SC New and Beginning Farmer Program Advanced Workshop Series! Click here for more information or to register. 

If you have questions regarding your pond or other water-related topics, please contact Charly Greenthaler at charlym@clemson.edu or (803) 520-1679.  

The project is a collaborative effort by Clemson Cooperative Extension, the SC Sea Grant Consortium, the SC Water Resources Center, and Tiger Strikes Asteroid Greenville.

Tiger Strikes Asteroid Greenville, 201 Smythe Street, Greenville, SC 29611. The exhibition is available through March 22, 2025, Saturdays (11am-5pm), free admission. https://www.scseagrant.org/beyondthesurface/

Upcoming events: Please visit the Clemson Extension Events Calendar for information on various events.

Please click here to see what the local York County Extension Agents are doing: York County Winter 2022 Newsletter