Health officials are warning residents to stay out of local waters where blue-green algae has been found.
Sampling performed by Stony Brook University scientists has confirmed cyanobacteria blooms — more commonly known as blue–green algae — in Niger Pond in Calverton, Peconic River/ NYS DEC fishing access off West Main Street in Riverhead, and Mecox Bay in Southampton.
East Marion Lake in East Marion remains on the county’s list of waters known to be affected by cyanobacteria.
Residents are advised not to use or swim or wade in these waters and to keep their pets and children away from the area.
Though blue-green algae are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers, they can become abundant, forming blooms mostly typically in shades of green but also in shades of blue-green, yellow, brown or red.
They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance.
Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom that is in a body of water that does not contain a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach, contact the Division of Water at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC): 518-402-8179 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or anytime via email at habsinfo@dec.ny.gov
To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that does contain a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or anytime via email at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov
For a comprehensive list of affected waterbodies in NY State, visit the DEC’s Harmful Algal Bloom Notification Page.
For more information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website.
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