{"id":84650,"date":"2017-09-18T05:31:09","date_gmt":"2017-09-18T09:31:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=84650"},"modified":"2017-09-17T19:47:35","modified_gmt":"2017-09-17T23:47:35","slug":"continue-to-avoid-algae-blooms-in-lakes-during-this-last-weekend-of-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=84650","title":{"rendered":"Continue to avoid algae blooms in lakes during this last weekend of summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Be Algae Aware<\/em><\/p>\n

It is the last weekend of summer! While enjoying the nice weather at local lakes, residents should\u00a0continue avoiding contact with algae in water. Most algae in water are harmless, but exposure to toxins and other substances produced by harmful algal blooms can make people and animals sick.<\/p>\n

Lakes that reported harmful algae blooms this summer included: Lake Moraine, Sunset Lake, Oneida Lake (including Lewis Point in Billington Bay and Sylvan and Verona Beaches), Craine Lake and DeRuyter Lake. While public beaches and swim areas are closed for the season, boaters and swimmers in local lakes should continue to watch for and avoid swimming in areas containing visible algae. Algae blooms may appear and quickly clear up within a few days.<\/p>\n

Algae can form harmful (toxic) algae blooms with unpleasant odors, discolor the water or produce\u00a0floating rafts or scums on the surface of the water. The appearance of harmful algae blooms can vary\u00a0in color. Colors can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown, red or white.<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t tell by\u00a0just looking at an algae bloom if it has harmful toxins. It you see an algae bloom in a lake or river, avoid it and report it to your county health department or report the observation to the New York State\u00a0Department of Environmental Conservations hotline number at 518-402- 8179\u00a0Symptoms of illness from contact with harmful algae blooms may include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; skin, eye, or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or trouble breathing.<\/p>\n

Visit your\u00a0healthcare provider if you, your family, or your animals have symptoms that may be related to an algae bloom exposure, and report your experience to your local health department.<\/p>\n

Prevent Illness from Harmful Algae Blooms:<\/p>\n