Harmful algal bloom advisory issued for part of Smith Mountain Lake

The Blackwater River portion of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties is experiencing a harmful algal bloom.

This caused the Virginia Department of Health to issue an advisory asking the public to avoid contact with the water until algal concentrations return to acceptable levels.

VDH said the reported blooms have produced blue/green discoloration and algal scums that should be avoided.

Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and…