Sampling
performed by SUNY Stony Brook has confirmed the presence of a new cyanobacteria
bloom, more commonly known as blue–green algae, in Laurel Lake in Southold
Town, and Lake Ronkonkoma. In addition, cyanobacteria blooms are still present
at the following locations:
- Agawam Lake
- Maratooka Pond
- Mill Pond (Watermill)
- Roth Pond
Due to these
findings, health officials ask residents 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 in shades of green, 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 DEC: 518-402-8179 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 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 between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by
email at any time at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov
For a
comprehensive list of affected waterbodies in New York State, visit the DEC’s
Harmful Algal Bloom Notification Page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html
For more
information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/MarineWaterQualityMonitoring/HarmfulAlgalBlooms/Cyanobacteria.aspx
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