Durham holds July 16 Zoom on potential Algal Floway sites

Durham residents who want a say in how the City addresses Falls Lake water quality will have another chance to hear updates and ask questions during a virtual public information session Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7 p.m. The meeting is focused on the City’s Algal Floway site evaluation and includes a staff discussion of potential locations under consideration.

What “Algal Floway” means in the City’s materials

Durham’s fact sheet explains that too many nutrients in a lake can contribute to harmful algal blooms and disrupt life cycles for animals in the lake. The City says nutrient pollution happens when yard waste and fertilizers enter the storm drainage system.

An algal floway, according to the fact sheet, is a pollution control measure designed to remove nutrient pollution from a body of water. The City says the floway works by pumping nutrient-polluted water over a bed of algae. The algae then “eat the nutrients,” and the cleaner water is returned to the lake.

The fact sheet also describes the concept at a high level as a large, rectangular, shallow pool with constantly flowing water. It says the property would include a pump and storage house, and that the City is planning to locate the system close to Falls Lake.

For day-to-day expectations, the City adds that any scent from the algae smells like compost when you’re standing next to it and is not noticeable from the lake or off-site of the algal floway.

Where Durham says the site search stands

On its Algal Floway project page, the City says it began looking for places to build the system in the summer of 2025. Durham says it considered factors such as water quality, water level, safe site access, and land conditions including slope, creek crossings, tree cover, and plants.

The City says it considered 31 potential sites and chose nine sites in the Ellerbe, Little River, and Lake Michie watersheds for more detailed study. After detailed scoring of those nine finalists, Durham says it selected a site along Ellerbe Creek near Hamlin Road for more analysis. The City also says it is studying alternatives near Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir.

Durham lists the project status as Site Identification and says the public survey closed on June 15, 2026.

What to expect at the July 16 Zoom meeting

Durham says the July 16 session is part of the ongoing process while site evaluation is underway. The City says staff will share a shortlist of potential locations under consideration and will include a summary of project activities plus discussion about the possible sites identified.

The City also notes it is considering other community benefits as it studies sites, including walking trails and educational opportunities.

How to join (and who to contact)

• Online: Join the Zoom meeting using the link posted by the City on the Algal Floway project page.
• Dial-in: (305) 224-1968
• Meeting ID: 874 0594 2797

For additional information, Durham directs residents to contact Jonathan Baker at 919-560-4326 ext. 30211.

Bottom line

The City is still evaluating potential Algal Floway locations, and the July 16 Zoom session is designed to bring residents into the process before any final siting decisions are made public. If you live near Falls Lake watershed areas or care about how nutrient pollution is managed, this is the window to ask what sites are being studied and why.

Sources

• City of Durham News Flash (July 16 Zoom public information session details)