spacerWTNY
Canada    Mexico     USA: New York     Georgia     Louisiana     Ohio     California
877-52-WATER
info@wtny.us
December 3, 2024
HOMEspacer | ABOUT spacer | MAPSspacer | NEWS TIPS spacer | WT FREE SMS WATER ALERTS spacer SIGN-UPspacer | LOGIN spacer | UNSUBSCRIBE spacer |spacerspacerspacer     WT INTERNATIONAL



8/17/2024

WT Staff

August 17, 2024 110 pm EDT

NY HAB Tracker
from NYS DEC and NOAA-NCCOS satellite monitoring program
Barnum Pond, Lake Tonetta, Hemlock Lake first bluegreen of the year

NY Department of Environmental Conservation HABS Notifications

One hundred and seventy six HABs are confirmed active in NYS lakes, ponds, rivers and reservoirs Saturday, up from 170 yesterday and down from the seasonal peak 235 last weekend. First bluegreen of the season has been confirmed in Barnum Pond, Lake Tonetta and Hemlock Lake.

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
  • Aug 5 2024 m widespread HAB confirmed midlake in Suffolk County - reported by Stony Brook University

Ballston Lake
  • Aug 7 2024 1117 am EDT HAB confirmed off the east shore midlake Lake Rd in Saratoga County, reported by the DEC LCI
Barger Pond
  • Aug 5 2024 315 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the south shore in Putnam County, reported by the public
Barnum Pond
  • Aug 16 2024 11 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the north shore in Franklin County, reported by the public
Beaver Dam Lake, aka Beaverdam Lake
  • Aug 6 2024 925 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
  • Aug 6 2024 911 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in the northmost water in Orange County, reported by DEC Staff
  • Aug 6 2024 906 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the north shore of the main water body near the intersection of Shore and Alder in Orange County, reported by the public
Bowne Pond
  • Aug 7 2024 1033 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed midlake in Queens County, reported by NYC Parks
Canandaigua Lake 6 active HABS confirmed Aug 2 to 16
  • Aug 15 2024 6 pm EDT small HAB confirmed off the east shore near Crystal Beach in Ontario County, reported by the CLWA
  • Aug 15 2024 547 pm EDT large HAB confirmed off the east shore near Old East Lake Rd in Ontario County, reported by the CLWA
  • Aug 15 2024 447 pm EDT small water HAB confirmed off the east shore near Arrowhead Drive in Ontario County, reported by the CLWA
  • Aug 15 2024 101 pm EDT small water HAB confirmed off the east shore Willow Grove Point in Ontario County, reported by the CLWA
  • Aug 14 2024 940 am EDT small water HAB confirmed off the east shore Ontarion Beach Park in Ontario County, reported by the CLWA
  • Aug 3 2024 536 am EDT open water HAB confirmed off the east shore Thorndale Beach in Ontario County, reported by the CLWA
Cayuga Lake:
  • Aug 16 2024 1241 pm large localized HAB confirmed at Mud Lock in the north end in Seneca County, reported by the public
  • Aug 15 2024 745 pm open water HAB confirmed off the west shore from Osgood Landing in Tompkins County, reported by the Community Science Institute
  • Aug 15 2024 430 pm HAB of unknown extent confirmed off the east shore near Lehigh Valley in Cayuga County, reported by the NYS Dept of Health
  • Aug 14 2024 250 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Lower Lake Rd and Davis Rd in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • Aug 14 2024 130 pm small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Lehigh Valley in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • Aug 14 2024 1240 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore north of the Conrail trestle in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • Aug 13 2024 1110 am small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Harris Park in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • Aug 13 2024 10 am small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore Parker Rd in Seneca County, reported by CSI
  • Aug 13 2024 730 am large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore at Farleys Point in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • Aug 13 2024 630 am widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore Water St near Conrail trestle in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
  • Aug 7 2024 130 pm small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore off route 89 and Dates Dr in Tompkins County, reported by CSI
  • Aug 7 2024 914 am small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore Harris Park in Cayuga County, reported by CSI
Chautauqua Lake
  • Aug 13 2024 219 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed south of Bemus Point, reported by CLA
  • Aug 13 2024 1114 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed south of Big Bar on Long Point, reported by NYS Parks
  • Aug 13 2024 1021 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed in open water off Big Bar - Long Point, reported by DEC Staff
  • Aug 7 2024 121 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the south shore near Lakewood, reported by NYS Dept of Health
Cortlandt Lake
  • August 12 2024 11 am EDT HAB of unknown extent confirmed midlake in Putnam County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
Ellicott Creek
  • Aug 9 2024 330 pm large localized HAB confirmed near Brighton Park Golf Course in Erie County, reported by the public
Esopus Creek
  • August 9 2024 10 am widespread HAB confirmed off the south shore around the Mill in Saugerties - Ulster County, reported by the public
Findley Lake
  • Aug 10 2024 918 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore near Shadyside Rd in Chautauqua County, reported by the public
  • Aug 4 2024 816 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in Chautauqua County, reported by the public
Fort Pond
  • Aug 12 2024 1030 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed off shore near Industrial Rd in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
  • Aug 5 2024 827 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the southeast shore near S Erie Ave in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
Gorton Lake
  • Aug 10 2024 1030 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed off southwest shore in Madison County, reported by the public
Harlem Meer
  • Aug 13 2024 121 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the east side of the water body in Manhattan
Hemlock Lake
  • Aug 15 2024 1245 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the north shore in Livingston County, reported by CSLAP
Honeoye Lake
  • Aug 12 2024 153 pm large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore at Burns Point in Ontario County, reported by the public
Hyde Lake
  • Aug 11 2024 941 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the south shore in Jefferson County, reported by the public
  • Aug 7 2024 1040 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore in Jefferson County, reported by the public
Java Lake
  • Aug 14 2024 1110 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the northwest bowl in Wyoming County, reported by DEC Staff
  • Aug 14 2024 1059 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the northwest bowl in Wyoming County, reported by DEC Staff
  • Aug 14 2024 1056 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the northwest bowl in Wyoming County, reported by DEC Staff
  • Aug 14 2024 1052 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the northwest bowl in Wyoming County, reported by DEC Staff
  • Aug 14 2024 1048 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the northwest bowl in Wyoming County, reported by DEC Staff
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
Lake Champlain
  • Aug 10 2024 widespread HAB in the northeast Baie Missisquoi extending to west channel North Hero Island - from satellite imagery of the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science HABs monitoring program
Lake Clear
  • Aug 14 2024 1151 am EDT HAB of unknown extent confirmed off the north shore in Franklin County, reported by the public
Lake in Central Park
  • Aug 12 2024 151 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the west half of the water body in Manhattan, reported by NYC Parks
  • Aug 7 2024 730 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed in the east portion of the water body in Manhattan, reported by Stony Brook University
Lake Mohegan
  • Aug 6 2024 1020 am small localized HAB confirmed off the southeast shore in Westchester County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
Lake Ontario
  • Aug 10 2024 1024 am small localized HAB confirmed off Southwick Beach in Jefferson County, reported by the NYS Parks
  • Aug 7 2024 938 am large localized HAB confirmed at Station Oswego near Breitbeck Park in Oswego County, reported by the public
Lake Peekskill
  • Aug 11 2024 5 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed midlake in Putnam County, reported by CSLAP
Lake Superior
  • Aug 6 2024 856 am small localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Bethel in Sullivan County, reported by NYS Parks
Lake Tonetta
  • Aug 15 2024 1 pm HAB of unknown extent confirmed off the east shore in the south half of the water body in Putnam County, reported by NYS Dept of Health
Lamoka Lake
  • Aug 15 2024 1207 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore in the north half the water body in Schuyler County, reported by the public

Maratooka Lake
  • Aug 5 2024 150 pm EDT HAB of unreported extent confirmed midlake in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
Mill Pond - Watermill
  • Aug 5 2024 351 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed midlake in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
Millers Pond
  • Aug 6 2024 814 am widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore toward the north end of the Millers Pond Park in Chemung County, reported by NYS Parks
North (Sandy) Pond
  • Aug 14 2024 130 pm large localized HAB confirmed off shore Elms Golf Course in Oswego County, reported by the public
  • Aug 14 2024 10 am widespread HAB confirmed off shore Elms Golf Course in Oswego County, reported by the public
  • Aug 14 2024 930 am widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore at Blind Creek outlet in Oswego County, reported by the public
  • Aug 13 2024 928 am large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore in the south half of the water body in Oswego County, reported by the public
Oakdale Lake
  • Aug 12 2024 744 am EDT large localzed HAB confirmed midlake in Columbia County, reported by the public
  • Aug 12 2024 715 am EDT large localzed HAB confirmed off the north shore in Columbia County, reported by the public
Otisco Lake
  • Aug 16 2024 1002 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Williams Grove in Onondaga County, reported by the public
  • Aug 5 2024 1002 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore near Williams Grove in Onondaga County, reported by the public
Prospect Park Lake
  • Aug 9 22 2024 1030 am EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the north shore in Brooklyn, reported by NYC Parks
Red House Lake
  • Aug 14 2024 934 am small localized HAB confirmed off the northwest shore in Cattaraugus County, reported by NYS Parks
  • Aug 13 2024 849 am small localized HAB confirmed off the northwest shore in Cattaraugus County, reported by NYS Parks
  • Aug 10 2024 856 am small localized HAB confirmed off the southeast shore in Cattaraugus County, reported by NYS Parks
  • Aug 6 2024 833 am small localized HAB confirmed off the south shore in Cattaraugus County, reported by NYS Parks
  • Aug 3 2024 1104 am large localized HAB confirmed off the north shore in Cattaraugus County, reported by NYS Parks
Roth Pond
  • Aug 7 2024 4 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed midlake in Suffolk County, reported by Stony Brook University
Round Lake
  • Aug 7 2024 930 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed in open water in the south portion of the main water body in Saratoga County, reported by DEC LCI
  • Aug 7 2024 922 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed in open water in the south half around midlake of the main water body in Saratoga County, reported by DEC LCI
  • Aug 7 2024 914 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed near the west shore at midlake of the main water body in Saratoga County, reported by DEC LCI
  • Aug 7 2024 901 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore toward the north end of the water body in Saratoga County, reported by DEC LCI
  • Aug 2 2024 12 pm EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore in Saratoga County - reported by the public
Seneca Lake 18 active HABs confirmed, including
  • Aug 4 2024 305 pm EDT widespread HAB confirmed off the east shore near Standing Stone Vineyards in Schuyler County, reported by the public
  • updates in progress
Swinging Bridge Reservoir
  • Aug 11 2024 7 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the east shore toward the north end of the eater body in Sullivan County, reported by the public
Tully Lake
  • Aug 4 2024 334 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the west side Evans Rd point in Onondaga County
Unnamed Water Body Colonie
  • Aug 8 2024 1033 am large localized HAB confirmed in an unnamed pond on the east side of Colonie Crossings Park in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
  • Aug 8 2024 1026 am large localized HAB confirmed in a pond on the east side of Colonie Crossings Park in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
  • Aug 8 2024 1020 am large localized HAB confirmed in a pond on the east side of Colonie Crossings Park in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
  • Aug 8 2024 1013 am small localized HAB confirmed in a pond on the east side of Colonie Crossings Park in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
  • Aug 8 2024 1010 am small localized HAB confirmed in a pond on the east side of Colonie Crossings Park in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
  • !--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.
  • 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
  • Walkill River
    • July 28 2024 6 pm EDT large localized HAB confirmed south of Springtown in Ulster County, reported by the public
    Washington Park Pond
    • Aug 8 2024 9 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore in the south end of the water body in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
    • Aug 8 2024 856 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore at midlake in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
    • Aug 8 2024 850 am EDT large localized HAB confirmed off the west shore midlake in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
    • Aug 8 2024 845 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore toward the north end of the water body in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
    • Aug 8 2024 839 am EDT small localized HAB confirmed off the west shore in the north end of the water body body in Albany County, reported by DEC LCI
    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 clear image of Lake Champlain was captured Aug 14 at an undetermined surface wind speed. This is a clear view of northeast Baie Missisquoi, full of bluegreen algae at extreme high concentration 1 to 3 million cells per 100 ml on both sides of the international border. This bloom reaches south as far as the channel from North Hero Island to Isle la Motte, the south portion of the bloom at 900 thousand cells per 100 ml. St Albans Bay HAB is partially cloud obscured, we see the inner shoreline edge at 1 million cells per 100 ml. Lake Carmi appears clear with no HAB activity; Shelburne Pond is still rocking 2 million cells concentration in Vermont



    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 lakewide HAB 1 to 3 million cells per 100 ml
    • Baie Missisquoi- USA lakewide HAB 1 to 3 million cells per 100 ml
    • St Albans Bay Vermont widespread HAB 700 thousand cells per 100 ml past Melville Landing
    • 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 Aug 7 - widespread HAB approaching from the east channel 700 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.









    WT     Canada    Mexico    USA: New York    Georgia    Louisiana    Ohio    California

    All rights reserved 2024 - WTNY - This material may not be reproduced in whole or in part and may not be distributed,
    publicly performed, proxy cached or otherwise used, except with express permission.