CORRECTION: Algal blooms threaten with warmer weather
CORRECTED INFORMATION: The original Health Department press release indicated Craine Lake and Verona Beach State Park algal blooms were confirmed. This was incorrect and at this time, only the Craine Lake algal bloom has been confirmed.
Warmer weather has arrived, bringing reports of blue-green algal blooms in the Central New York area.
This season, one algal bloom was reported and confirmed in Craine Lake in Madison County and another in Oneida County on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake at Verona Beach State Park.
With the recent rains and forecast of hot, sunny weather, additional reports of harmful algal-blooms in the near future are expected. Residents should avoid swimming, boating, or even just cooling off in waters with any algae.
“These harmful algal blooms are a health hazard and can cause problems for recreation, and potentially for the quality of our drinking water,” says Madison County’s Environmental Health Director Geoffrey Snyder. “Harmful algal blooms may have toxin-producing microscopic organisms harmful to humans and animals if swallowed. At high levels, swallowing water with toxin-producing algae may cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, along with irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract.”
In warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that gets a lot of sunlight, the toxic bacteria in algae can grow quickly and easily. These conditions create a bloom that may appear as floating scum on the water surface may appear, along with discolored water covering all or portions of a lake. Algal bloom colors can range from green, blue, brown, yellow, grey, or even red. Avoid contact with any discolored water, with or without a floating scum or unpleasant odor.
When there is visible presence of algae, operators of permitted beaches must close their beach until the water clears and testing shows toxin levels are no longer harmful. Rapid onsite testing is no longer acceptable for determining satisfactory levels of toxin. The New York State laboratory or a private laboratory certified by New York State can test collected water samples. Madison County Health Department’s Environmental Health staff is prepared to assist beach and water operators.
Madison County Health Department has four recommendations for residents to protect themselves from HABs:
Avoid exposure to all visible algae blooms is the number-one precaution. Do not swim, play by the water, wade, or water-ski when algal blooms are present to avoid accidental swallowing, skin exposure, or inhalation of airborne droplets. Use added caution with open cuts or sores.
Do not allow young children or pets to play in water where an algal bloom is present
Wash hands and body thoroughly if contact with an algal bloom occurs, and
Do not use any water with algal blooms for drinking, washing, or cooking.
To report an algal bloom, email the DEC at HABsInfo@dec.ny.gov or call Madison County Health Department at 315-366-2526. Find more about identifying and avoiding algal blooms at madisoncounty.ny.gov/1614/Algae-Blooms-Health.