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8/2/2024

WT Staff

August 2, 2024 941 am EDT

NY HAB Tracker
from NYS DEC and NOAA-NCCOS satellite monitoring program
HABs in NYS doubled this week

NY Department of Environmental Conservation HABS Notifications

One hundred and sixty-nine HABs are confirmed active on the notifications board Friday morning, down from 170 Thursday, 83 on Tuesday. First HABs of the season have been posted for Mongaup Pond, Arctic Lake, Peach Lake, Green Lake, Jamesville Reservoir, Skaneateles Lake. Reports initiated prior to July 20 have been sent to the archives.

See the bluegreen tags on the map to the right indicating the water bodies with at least one active HAB. Multiple reports on any given water body are described in detail in the alphabetized list below. Updates are in progress. Make the most of the summer, plan for clear access to your favorite recreational water bodies to avoid contact with HABs.

Agawam Lake
  • July 31 1029 am widespread HAB confirmed midlake in Suffolk County - reported by Stony Brook University
  • July 22 2024 753 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed midlake in Suffolk County
Arctic Lake
  • July 29 2024 230 pm small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in Broome County - reported by NYS Parks

Ballston Lake
  • July 28 2024 1 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore near Powers Lane in Saratoga County, reported by the public
Beaver Dam Lake, aka Beaverdam Lake
  • July 25 2024 1036 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore of the north arm in line with Hillcrest Dr and Lake Rd intersection in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
  • July 25 2024 1015 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in the northmost water in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
  • July 25 2024 1005 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the north shore of the main water body near the intersection of Shore and Alder in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
  • July 25 2024 10 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed in open water off the north shore of the main water body in Orange County, reported by the DEC LCI
Black Lake
  • July 21 10 am widespread HAB confirmed off the west shore between 1st St and 3rd St off County Route 6 in St Lawrence County, reported by NYS Parks
Canandaigua Lake 36 active HABS confirmed July 22nd-30th
  • July 30 2024 309 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the north shore - west end of Kershaw Park in Ontario County, reported by the public
  • July 30 2024 136 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the north shore South Main Street Triangle Park in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 30 2024 129 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Long Point Rd in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 30 2024 128 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Jones Rd in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 30 2024 123 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Nibawauka Beach in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 30 2024 106 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Deep Run Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by the public
  • July 30 2024 1 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Deep Run Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
  • July 30 2024 1233 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Jones Rd in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 30 2024 1224 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Deep Run Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 30 2024 1209 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore around Old East Lake Rd in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 30 2024 1201 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Ontario Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 29 2024 820 pm EDT open water HAB confirmed midwater in line with Deep Run Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 29 2024 523 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed south of Greens Landing in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 29 2024 453 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore around Onnalinda Drive in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 29 2024 450 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Old East Lake Rd in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 29 2024 355 pm EDT another large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore north of Old East Lake Rd in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 29 2024 3 pm EDT open water HAB confirmed midlake near West Lake Blvd in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 29 2024 231 pm EDT HAB confirmed off the north shore in Kershaw Park Ontario County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
  • July 29 2024 213 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore around Onnalinda Drive in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 29 2024 206 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Thorndale Beach Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 29 2024 11 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in line with Lake Drive and Clover Rd in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 27 2024 713 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Old East Lake Rd in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 27 2024 6 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in line with Lake Drive and Clover Rd intersection Ontario County, reported by the public
  • July 27 2024 528 pm EDT open water HAB confirmed midlake in line with west shore Lake Hill Drive in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 27 2024 307 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in line with Jones Rd in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 26 2024 844 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore north of Ontario Beach Park in in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 26 2024 844 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore north of Ontario Beach Park in in Ontario County **may be a duplicate report**
  • July 23 2024 307 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in line with Arrowhead Drive in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 23 2024 240 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore at Deep Run Beach Park Ontario County, reported by CWLA
  • July 23 2024 222 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Deep Run Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 23 2024 138 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Crystal Beach in Ontario County, reported by Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
  • July 23 2024 1235 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Crystal Beach Association Park in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 23 2024 11 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore north of Deep Run Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
  • July 23 2024 230 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Deep Run Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by the public
  • July 22 2024 1227 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Thorndale Beach Ontario County, reported by CLWA
  • July 22 2024 1058 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Crystal Beach Association Park in Ontario County, reported by CLWA
Cayuga Lake 11 HABs including:
  • July 29 2024 613 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore north of Long Point State Park, reported by the public
  • July 29 2024 445 pm small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore south of Glenwood Point in Tompkins County, reported by the public
  • July 29 2024 112 pm small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore at Wells College Boathouse in Cayuga County, reported by the public
  • July 29 2024 105 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore at Lehigh Valley in Cayuga County, reported by the public
  • July 29 2024 1 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Wells College in Cayuga County, reported by the public
  • July 29 2024 938 am large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore at Lehigh Valley in Cayuga County, reported by the public
  • July 28 2024 9 am large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore at Lehigh Valley in Cayuga County, reported by the NYS Dept of Health
  • July 27 2024 330 pm HAB confirmed off the east shore Wells Boat House in Cayuga County, reported by Community Science Institute
  • July 23 2024 420 pm small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Fire Lane 2 and Atwater Rd in Cayuga County, reported by the Community Science Institute
  • July 23 2024 220 pm small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore Greenlane Shore in Tompkins County, reported by Community Science Institute
  • July 23 2024 1 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Hibiscus Point in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • July 23 2024 1220 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Hibiscus Point in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • July 23 2024 913 am small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Harris Park in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • July 22 2024 823 am small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Taughannock Point in Tompkins County, reported by NYS Parks
Chautauqua Lake
  • July 25 2024 256 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore near Magnolia and Willow Run Golf Course, reported by Chautauqua Lake Association
  • July 24 2024 154 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the south shore W Fairmount Ave Lakewood, reported by Chautauqua Lake Association
  • July 23 2024 1230 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the south shore E Terrace Ave Lakewood, reported by the public
  • July 21 2024 1033 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Big Bar Long Point, reported by NYS Parks
  • July 20 2024 952 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore W Lake Rd in the south end, reported by the public
  • July 20 2024 941 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the south shore near E Terrace Ave and Front St, reported by the public
  • July 20 2024 932 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the south shore near Lowe Ave, reported by the public
  • July 19 2024 11 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the south shore near W Lake St in Lakewood, reported by NYS Dept of Health
Ellicott Creek
  • July 26 2024 115 pm widespread HAB confirmed central Ellicott Creek Park in Erie County, reported by the public
  • July 18 2024 139 pm large localized HAB confirmed southeast of Ellicott Creek Park in Erie County
  • July 18 2024 1245 pm widespread HAB confirmed southwest of Ellicott Creek Park in Erie County
  • July 17 2024 1251 pm large localized HAB confirmed toward the east end of Ellicott Creek Park in Erie County
Findley Lake
  • July 20 2024 914 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed midlake in Chautauqua County, reported by the public
Francis J Marks Memorial Park Swimming Pond
  • July 17 2024 10 am EDT HAB of unknown extent confirmed off the north shore in Dutchess County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
Gillie Lake
  • July 29 2024 12 pm small localized HAB confirmed mid-lake in Onondaga County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
Great Sacandaga Lake
  • July 30 2024 3 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed in open water near Mayfield Marina in Fulton County, reported by the public
  • July 29 2024 530 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed in the of the north shore of the northeast bay, near School St bridge in Fulton County, reported by the public
Green Lake
  • July 29 2024 1 pm widespread HAB confirmed off the north shore Yates Park in Erie County, reported by the public
  • July 22 2024 219 pm widespread HAB confirmed off the west shore in Erie County, reported by the public
  • July 22 2024 10 am large localized HAB confirmed off the north shore at Yates Park in Erie County, reported by the public
  • July 22 2024 830 am large localized HAB confirmed off the northeast shore Yates Park, Orchard Park in Erie County, reported by the public
Honeoye Lake
  • July 29 2024 530 pm small localized HAB confirmed off the north shore at Sandy Bottom Park in Ontario County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
  • July 28 2024 449 pm widespread HAB confirmed off the southeast shore boat launch in Ontario County, reported by HLWTF
  • July 28 2024 1134 am widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Willow Beach in Ontario County, reported by HLWTF
  • July 28 2024 1113 am widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore north of Bray Gully in Ontario County, reported by HLWTF
  • July 28 2024 1041 am open water HAB confirmed off California Point in Ontario County, reported by HLWTF
  • July 28 2024 1030 am widespread HAB confirmed off the west shore south of California Point in Ontario County, reported by HLWTF
  • July 22 2024 1030 am large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Bray Gully in Ontario County, reported by HLWTF
Jamesville Reservoir
  • July 28 2024 1045 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the south shore Jamesville Beach County Park in Onondaga County, reported by the NYS Dept of Health
Keuka Lake
  • July 31 2024 1036 am EDT Keuka Lake large localized HAB confirmed off the east side of Bluff Point in Yates County, reported by Keuka Lake Assoc
  • July 22 2024 220 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the north shore Old Pines Trail in the east arm in Yates County, reported by Keuka Lake Association
  • July 22 2024 211 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore across the lake from Glen Grove in Steuben County, reported by Keuka Lake Association
  • July 19 2024 12 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore across the lake from Glen Grove in Steuben County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
Lake Champlain
  • July 29 widespread HAB in the northeast Baie Missisquoi extending to Alburg-Swanton Bridge- 600 thousand cells per 100 ml - from satellite imagery of the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science HABs monitoring program
Lake in Central Park
  • July 24 2024 10 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed in the east portion of the water body in Manhattan, reported by Stony Brook University
  • July 23 2024 10 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the east portion of the water body in Manhattan, reported by NYC Parks
Lake Ontario
  • July 30 2024 7 am large localized HAB confirmed off Pillar Point in Jefferson County, reported by the public
  • July 28 2024 8 pm HAB of unreported extent confirmed in Black River Bay off Storrs Rd in Jefferson County, reported by the public
  • July 23 2024 925 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the south shore near Shore Oaks Dr between Nine Mile and Pleasant Points in Oswego County, reported by the public
  • Lamoka Lake
    • July 22 2024 1039 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the north shore near Stover Rd in Schuyler County, reported by the public

    Maratooka Lake
    • July 29 2024 3 pm EDT HAB of unreported extent confirmed midlake in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
    Mongaup Pond
    • July 27 2024 1032 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed in the south end of the water body in Sullivan County, reported by the public
    Nathaniel Cole Park Pond
    • July 23 2024 11am EDT small localized HAB confirmed midlake in Broome County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
    North (Sandy) Pond
    • July 30 2024 1145 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed in open water off shore in line with Elms Golf Club, reported by the public
    • July 29 2024 116 pm EDT open water HAB confirmed between West Shore Drive and Elms Golf Club, reported by the public
    • July 29 2024 1120 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed between West Shore Drive and Elms Golf Club, reported by the public
    Oquaga Lake
    • July 22 9 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed midlake in Broome County, reported by CSLAP
    Orange Lake
    • July 25 2024 1225 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore near Snider Ave in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
    • July 25 2024 1223 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore near Snider Ave in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
    • July 25 2024 1217 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore near Snider Ave in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
    • July 25 2024 1212 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore near Snider Ave in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
    • July 25 2024 1210 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore near Snider Ave in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
    • July 22 2024 1115 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the south end of the water body in Orange County, reported by CSLAP
    Oswego River
    • July 22 2024 1147 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed between Science Hill and Perth South in Oswego County, reported by the public
    Owasco Lake
    • July 22 2024 150 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Sam Adams Lane area in Cayuga County, reported by Owasco Watershed Lake Association
    Peach Lake
    • July 20 2024 830 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed midlake in Westchester, reported by CSLAP
    Pleasure Lake
    • July 30 2024 1103 am Pleasure Lake small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore Thompsonville Rd in Sullivan County, reported by CSLAP
    Port Bay
    • July 19 2024 8 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Finch Rd in Wayne County, reported by the public
    Prospect Park Lake
    • July 22 2024 138 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the north shore in Brooklyn, reported by NYC Parks
    Putnam Lake
    • July 22 2024 1120 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed in open water near Waterford Rd in Putnam County, reported by NYS Department of Health
    Red House Lake
    • July 30 2024 10 am small localized HAB confirmed off the southeast shore in Cattaraugus County, reported by NYS Parks
    Roth Pond
    • July 17 2024 10 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed midlake in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
    Seneca Lake
    • July 29 2024 744 pm EDT large localized HAB off the east shore of Pastime Park in Seneca County, reported by the public
    • July 29 2024 630 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore near Yale Farm Rd shore north of Dresden in Seneca County, reported by Seneca Lake Pure Waters
    • July 29 2024 530 pm EDT large localized HAB of unknown extent confirmed off the west shore north of Dresden in Yates County, reported by the public
    • July 29 2024 430 pm EDT widespread HAB of confirmed off the west shore near Seneca Lodge in Yates County, reported by Seneca Lake Pure Waters
    • July 29 2024 402 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore south of Pastime Park in Seneca County, reported by the public
    • July 29 2024 355 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the northwest shore at Seneca Lakefront Recreation Area in Ontario County
    • July 29 2024 325 pm EDT large localized HAB off the west shore near Arrowhead Beach Rd in Yates County, reported by Seneca Lake Pure Waters
    • July 29 2024 228 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore near Willow Cove in Seneca County, reported by Seneca Lake Pure Waters
    • July 29 2024 224 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Hahnel Rd in Seneca County, reported by Seneca Lake Pure Waters
    • July 29 2024 1245 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Abbott Drive in Seneca County, reported by Seneca Lake Pure Waters
    • July 29 2024 1230 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore near Edgewood Dr in Seneca County, reported by Seneca Lake Pure Waters
    • July 29 2024 1217 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in Seneca County, reported by Seneca Lake Pure Waters
    Skaneateles Lake
    • July 29 2024 608 pm EDT small localized HAB off the east shore near Pine Bluff - Borodino Landing in Onondaga County, reported by the Skaneateles Lake Association
    Swinging Bridge Reservoir
    • July 30 2024 1021 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in line with Lake Shore Dr and Swinging Bridge Estate Rd intersection in Sullivan County, reported by the public
    Tonawanda Creek
    • July 26 2024 130 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed west of Ellicott Creek Island Park in Erie County, reported by the public
    • July 17 2024 520 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed between Sweeney Street and Creekside Drive in Erie County, reported by the public
    • July 17 2024 505 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed east of East Niagara Park between Sweeney Street and E Niagara St in Erie County, reported by the public
    • July 17 2024 438 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed between Sweeney Street and Creekside Drive in Erie County, reported by the public, may be a duplicate report
    Trestle Park Pond
    • July 23 2024 10 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed midwater in Genesee County, reported by the public
    Turtle Pond
    • July 24 2024 719 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed midwater in Manhattan, reported by NYC Parks
    !--Unnamed Water Body Enfield
  • July 12 2024 307 pm widespread HAB confirmed in Tompkins County, reported by the public.
  • --> Unnamed Water Body Erie
  • July 30 2024 1116 am small localized HAB confirmed in a pond in Glen Park Erie County, reported by the public.
  • July 17 2024 537 pm small localized HAB confirmed off Lower East Hill Rd north of Omphallus Rd in Erie County, reported by the public.
  • Unnamed Water Body Suffolk
  • July 31 2024 930 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed midwater in a pond off Engineering Drive in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
  • July 30 2024 530 pm EDT HAB confirmed in a pond north of Runnymeade Drive in Suffolk County, reported by SBU
  • July 30 2024 530 pm EDT HAB confirmed in unnamed pond north of Maidstone Park Beach and Runnymeade Drive in Springs, Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
  • Wainscott Pond
    • July 22 2024 925 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the southeast shore in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
    Walkill River
    • July 28 2024 6 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed south of Springtown in Ulster County, reported by the public
    HABs are automatically archived after two weeks. If HAB mat is still present, a new report is filed. WTNY tags active HABs on the map to the right.

    National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) HABs satellite monitoring program - Lake Champlain

    The latest image of Lake Champlain from NCCOS was captured Aug 1 at an undetermined surface wind speed. This image is mostly cloud covered. A glimpse of the Baie Missisquoi HAB shows the concentration at 600 thousand cells per 100 ml. Baie Missisquoi HAB was first spotted off Domaine Omer-Alix on June 25 around 400 thousand cells per 100 ml.

    Note that low to moderate concentration blooms can be present and undetectable in the satellite image. If the wind conditions are higher than 4 mph, algal mats can become submerged and escape detection by surface imaging and ground based observation. Extensive HAB activity was observed throughout Lake Champlain in the latter part of April, these observations are included here for reference. More recent HAB sightings are included below where available, and noted as such.
    • Baie Missisquoi- Canada open water widespread HAB 600 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Baie Missisquoi- USA dispersed open water HABs 600 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Rouses Point April 26 - large and small open water HABs along west shore and open water 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area April 26 localized HABs along shorelines lake-side east and along the east shore of Kings Baywest side of the point 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Isle la Motte - Chazy Landing April 26 localized HABs along Isle la Motte west shore and Chazy Landing shore 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Monty Bay April 26 localized HAB on shore 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Point au Roche April 26 large localized HABs between Short Point and Long Point no concentration scale match available
    • North Hero Island no HAB activity
    • Treadwell Bay - no HABs
    • Cumberland Head - Cumberland Bay April 26 multiple small open water HABs 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Grand Isle April 26 large localized HAB at northwest shore, small localized HABs running along the west shoreline 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • South Hero Apr 26 localized HABs on west shore, 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Valcour Island Apr 26 large localized HABs the extent of west shoreline 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area no HABs evident
    • Port Kent no HAB activity
    • Port Douglass - Schuyler Island small localized HABs in the channel between west shore and Schuyler Island
    • Willsboro Point no HABs
    • Willsboro Bay Apr 26 multiple localized open water HABs 100 thousand cells per 100 ml
    • Essex-Crater Club-Whallen Bay no HABs evident
    • Split Rock Mountain no HABs evident
    • Westport- North West Bay no HABs
    • Port Henry no HABs
    • Bullwagga Bay no HABs

    Composited Cyanobacteria Index as reported by National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, a visual scale based on true color imagery. Note: Winds above 4.0 mph may begin mixing the bloom and clouds may obscure it, leading to an underestimate of the area. Moderate and low concentrations may not be obvious to the eye.

    The images are derived from Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite data from the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and were processed by NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.


    The ongoing challenge to adapt and mitigate the presence of HABS

    The work of preventing dissolved reactive phosphates and nitrates from leaving the landscape and moving through the waterways into the lakes is a challenging task faced by state environmental authorities. Unchecked nutrient loading stimulates uncontrolled cyanobacteria growth, impairing the lake.

    Some species of cyanobacteria can produce toxic compounds affecting the liver, hepatotoxins, which are particularly dangerous for dogs. The impact on humans is digestive upset, skin rashes and headaches, the impact on dogs is often fatal, there is no antidote to the effect of the toxin once ingested or absorbed by a dog.

    The public is encouraged to report observations of HABs which are then checked and confirmed by state authorities and communicated to the public via HABs notifications page and alerts. WTNY.us rebroadcasts the HAB alerts through the monitoring season.

    The confirmed presence of a HAB does not always mean there are toxins in the water. Water must be tested for the presence of specific cyanotoxins. Microcystins in the most common toxin tested by labs. A rapid test kit is also available, offering reliable results to 1 part per billion sensitivity. With toxin testing, the public can be directed to clean beaches and access points to the lake to avoid coming in contact with HABs.

    Accidental spills of phosphate and nitrate-containing substances can contribute to HABs in excess of the managed TDML. The WTNY.us licensed map shows where hazardous spills can migrate with water. Select the pink radio button above the map to see only the spills, turn on the watershed layer and directional arrows. Get an idea of the number of spills reported in a given week and potential impact on the waterways.

    Return here as we look into the specifics of the TMDL plans for Cayuga, Canandaigua and Owasco Lakes, and what is planned for stakeholder collaboration ahead of the 2024 HABs season, in efforts to minimize the HABs in the lakes this summer. More to follow. Check out www.wtoh.us to see how TMDL plans are used to manage the HAB load in Lake Erie, a drinking water source for 11 million people.

    Drinking Water - Consumption
    Advice from the NY DEC, "Never drink, prepare food, cook, or make ice with untreated surface water, whether or not any bloom is present. People not on public water supplies should avoid drinking surface water during an algal bloom, even if it is treated, because in-home treatments such as boiling, disinfecting water with chlorine or ultraviolet (UV), and water filtration units do not protect people from HABs toxins."

    8 HABs remained on the current list at the close of the NY DEC official monitoring season, November 17, 2023.

    Going into the freeze up and winter season, we will be looking at the HAB summaries by water body over the last five years. HAB Action Plans prepared for particular lakes will be highlighted here. HAB awareness and action plan implementation is very much driven from the local level. Find helpful information here on how to get involved in the protection of your favorite NY lakes ahead of the next bloom season.

    As NY DEC is no longer monitoring and reporting new HABs, send your observations with a photo and location to alerts@wtny.us. These will be pinned on our map and reported as unconfirmed public observations.

    HABS Harmful Algae Blooms
    Get informed and stay safe around the water this summer
    WaterToday collects algal bloom monitoring information from state and federal agencies including but not limited to the CDC, EPA, NOAA and state public health authorities.
    HABs alerts are posted on our state maps according to the best available information reported by citizen groups, universities, state and/or federal monitoring agencies.
    Before you head out to the beach, pond or stream, check with local authorities to confirm the latest HABs conditions.
    Consider carrying a rapid test kit for micro-cystin, the most common of the cyanobacteria toxins.

    Sources for algal bloom data.
    National Centres for Coastal Ocean Science
    A department of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NCCOS provides harmful algal bloom forecasting for certain water bodies and regions including.
     West Basin Lake Erie https.//coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-monitoring-system/cyanobacteria-algal-bloom-from-satellite-in-western-lake-erie-basin/
    Lake Pontchartrain  https.//coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-monitoring-system/cyanobacteria-algal-bloom-from-satellite-in-lake-pontchartrain-la/

    The forecasting is based on true color imagery provided by OLCI sensors on Copernicus Sentinel-3a satellite of the EUMETSAT group

    Environmental Protection Agency Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN)
    The mission of the CyAN project is to support the environmental management and public use of U.S. lakes and estuaries by providing a useful and accessible approach to detecting and quantifying algal blooms and related water quality using satellite data records. 
    What is CyAN.  Mobile and web-based application for cyanobacteria monitoring
    How does it work?  Users can enter the coordinates or name of local water bodies for monitoring information. 
    The CyAN project officially started October 1, 2015. It provided continental U.S. coverage using the
    Envisat MERIS archive from 2002-2012
    Sign up here. https.//www.epa.gov/water-research/cyanobacteria-assessment-network-application-cyan-app

    Centers for Disease Control

    Environmental Public Health Tracking provides data and information on health outcomes, the environment, population, and exposures, including hazardous algal blooms occurring in water bodies of the USA, both freshwater and marine.

    CDC Public Notice on Hazardous Algae Blooms
    It is not possible to know if a large growth, or bloom, of algae or cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) is harmful just by looking at it. Some blooms make toxins (poisons), which can still be in the water even when you can’t see a bloom. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful algae and cyanobacteria, what to do if you or a pet is exposed to them, and how to help prevent these blooms.

    Swimming and Wading.  Stay out of water with a bloom, rinse off if you or your pets are in contact with water
    If you see signs of a bloom, stay out of the water and keep your pets out of the water. Do not fish, swim, boat, or play water sports in areas where this is possible harmful algae or cyanobacteria.
    Do not go into or play in water that.

    • Smells bad
    • Looks discolored
    • Has foam, scum, algal mats, or paint-like streaks on the surface
    • Has dead fish or other animals washed up on its shore or beach
    Protect your pets and livestock from getting sick by keeping them away from water with possible harmful algae or cyanobacteria. Do not let animals.
    • Get in the water
    • Drink the water
    • Lick or eat mats of cyanobacteria or algae
    • Eat or graze near the water
    • Eat dead fish or other animals on the shore
    • Go on the beach or shoreline
    If you or your pets do go in water that may have a bloom, rinse yourself and your pets immediately afterward with tap water from a sink, shower, hose, or outdoor spigot. Do not let pets lick their fur until they have been rinsed. Pets may have harmful algae, cyanobacteria, or related toxins on their fur if they swim or play in water with a bloom.
    Do not fill pools with water directly from lakes, rivers, or ponds. The water could contain algal or cyanobacterial toxins or unsafe levels of germs.

    Drinking Water.
    Follow local guidance about toxins in tap water If you are notified of cyanobacteria or their toxins in your public drinking water supply, follow guidance from your local or state government or water utility to reduce the chances of you or your animals getting sick.
    Harmful cyanobacteria may grow in water bodies that supply tap water. Although many water treatment plants can remove these toxins, tap water can be contaminated in certain situations. Cyanobacteria can also produce substances that are not harmful, but can change the taste or smell of tap water.
    If you have concerns about the appearance, smell, or taste of tap water that you are using, contact your water utility or health department. Consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking until the problem is resolved.
    Don’t boil water contaminated with toxins. Boiling water does not remove toxins and can concentrate the toxin.

     
    Fish and shellfish.
    Be aware of advisories and health risks related to eating contaminated fish and shellfish
    Avoid eating very large reef fish (such as grouper or amberjack), especially the head, gut, liver, or roe (eggs). Large reef fish may be contaminated with ciguatoxin, the algal toxin that causes ciguatera fish poisoning. See the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance for more information on reef fish associated with unsafe levels of toxins.
    Check for and follow local shellfish and fish advisories before eating any fish or shellfish you collect yourself. Algal and cyanobacterial toxins in fish or shellfish have no taste or odor. Cooking or preserving food does not remove toxins. Thus, you cannot tell if the seafood is safe by just looking at, smelling, or tasting it.

    • Check to see if shellfish beds are closed. State shellfish control authorities (usually state health departments or other state agencies) are required to control for toxins where harmful algal blooms are likely to occur and toxins could build up in shellfish. Common ways state authorities control for algal toxins include routine monitoring for toxic algae or shellfish and testing shellfish for toxins before or after harvesting. If levels of toxins are unsafe, state authorities will close the area for shellfish harvesting until shellfish are safe to eat.
    • Check safety advisories from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fish and Shellfish Advisories and Safe Eating Guidelines website.

    Report any concerns to your local public health authorities.

    EPA notice to the public on harmful algae
    Harmful algal blooms can be green, blue, red or brown. They can be scummy or look like paint on the surface of the water.
    What are harmful algal blooms?
    Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of algae in water. Some produce dangerous toxins in fresh or marine water but even nontoxic blooms hurt the environment and local economies.
    What are the effects of harmful algal blooms?
    Harmful algal blooms can.

    • Produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people and animals
    • Create dead zones in the water
    • Raise treatment costs for drinking water
    • Hurt industries that depend on clean water

    The EPA has a role in enforcing environmental protection regulations to limit discharges into water bodies that contribute to the growth of harmful algal blooms.
    The EPA also maintains list of Impaired Water Bodies by state, those water bodies that are not supporting their ideal uses for recreation, including swimming, fishing and wading.  The EPA works with state authorities to identify water bodies that are not supporting their intended recreational uses, to set daily maximum limits for contaminants and nutrient load for impaired water bodies.  The EPA works with state and other federal agencies to investigate and prosecute violations of the Clean Water Act, with a role in ordering watershed plans that limit discharges to these water bodies to allow for recovery.
    Follow WT Clean Water Act Crime Box to learn about the work of the EPA in historic criminal prosecutions involving illegal discharges to water bodies, or making false reports about discharges.









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