Cyanobacteria bloom confirmed in Flanders pond

A new cyanobacteria bloom has been confirmed at Silver Brook Pond in Flanders, Suffolk County health officials said Monday.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services said surface water samples analyzed by Stony Brook Southampton also confirmed a new bloom at Pond Lane Pond in East Hampton.

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that may be harmful to people and animals. Health officials are advising residents not to use the affected waters and to keep children and pets away from the areas.

Blue-green algae occur naturally in lakes and streams in low numbers, but under certain conditions they can form blooms that appear green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. Blooms may look like floating scum or give the water a paint-like appearance.

Residents should avoid contact with water that appears scummy or discolored. Anyone who comes into contact with affected water should rinse off immediately with clean water. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms develop, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

Suspected blue-green algae blooms at water bodies with a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach can be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or by email at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Suspected blooms at water bodies without a county-permitted bathing beach should be reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at habsinfo@dec.ny.gov.

A map of affected freshwater bodies statewide is available through NYHABS at https://on.ny.gov/nyhabs.

More information about harmful algal blooms is available from Suffolk County, the New York State Department of Health and the DEC.