Schuyler County Public Health is warning the community that harmful blue-green algae blooms have been identified on the east side of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County. Blooms have also been discovered in Waneta Lake. “If you see blue-green algae blooms on the lakes - avoid them” Schuyler County Public Health Director Marcia Kasprzyk cautions. “These types of algae can cause health issues in people and animals.”
Blue-green algae is naturally present in lakes and streams. However, sometimes blue-green algae can form in to blooms that discolor the water or make floating mats or scums on the surface of the water. This can occur when water is warm, shallow, undisturbed, or nutrient-rich.
Contact with blue-green algae can cause health effects in people and other animals if water with blooms is touched, swallowed, or if airborne droplets of water are breathed in. Large amounts of the toxins from some algae blooms can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, allergic reactions or breathings problems, and irritation of the eyes, skin, and throat.
If you see blue-green algae blooms: do not swim, fish, boat, or wade in those areas. Blooms can be reported to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, your local health department, or to harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov. To learn more about blue-green algae blooms, visit the New York State Department of Health’s page about them: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae/.
Schuyler County Public Health's mission is to protect and empower the community to be safe, healthy and prepared. Schuyler County Public Health’s vision is a connected community of healthy people and safe places.
For more information, visit Schuyler County Public Health online at www.schuylercounty.us/publichealth or follow Schuyler County Public Health on Facebook and Twitter.