The Cayuga County Health Department would like to remind the public that we can all take steps to prepare ourselves for the presence of harmful algal blooms on local water bodies and the potential health effects to humans and pets if exposed. Skaneateles, Owasco and Cayuga lakes all experienced HABs last summer.
There are a few things you can do before and while you are recreating on local lakes. Weather influences where harmful algae blooms will occur. During extended periods of calm and sunny days, blooms can accumulate at the surface in any location. Wind and waves may cause them to form along shorelines or in protected areas. Shifts in wind direction can move a bloom from one location to another. Periods of cool, rainy weather can often lead to the disappearance of a bloom.
Bodies of water that are discolored with a paint-like or filmy appearance, or floating scum, should always be avoided as they are potentially harmful. Images of these types of blooms as well as non-harmful blooms can be viewed at .
Avoid it
Always stay away from blooms in lakes or streams. Never swim, fish, boat, wade or eat fish caught in areas with blooms. Bloom or no bloom, never drink, prepare food, cook or make ice with a private water supply drawn directly from a lake that is untreated or improperly treated. During a bloom, private water supplies drawn directly from the lake should not be used for showering, bathing or washing dishes even if treatment is provided. Public water supplies that draw water from surface water are treated, disinfected and monitored regularly. The public would be notified by the Cayuga County Health Department if public water supplies are adversely impacted by HABs.
Report it
If you think that a bloom may be harmful, report it through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at by clicking "Report HABs."
If you feel that you or your pets are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or irritation of the skin, eyes or respiratory system due to exposure to a harmful algal bloom, please contact your health care provider or veterinarian.
More information regarding harmful algae blooms can be found at . If you have any questions, or to report any symptoms you think may be related to exposure to harmful algal blooms, contact the Cayuga County Health Department at (315) 253-1560.
Deanna Ryan, M.S., is a senior public health educator with the Cayuga County Health Department. For more information, contact the department at (315) 253-1560, visit or like and follow the department on Facebook and Instagram at @CayugaCountyHealthDept.
