ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Area health officials are reminding the public of practices to prepare for the presence of Harmful Algal Blooms across the Finger Lakes Region.

The Cayuga County Health Department says the blooms become more prominent during extended periods of calm and sunny days. Bodies of water that are discolored or have floating scum should always be avoided.

You’re advised to never swim, fish, boat or eat fish caught in areas with blooms.

images of harmful and non-harmful algal blooms
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Harmful Algal Blooms: Know It, Avoid It, Report It

As the summer months are approaching, 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 (HABs) 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.

KNOW IT
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 http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81962.html .
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. During a bloom, private water supplies drawn
directly from the lake should not be used for showering, bathing, or washing dishes. Public water
supplies that draw water from surface water are treated, disinfected and monitored. 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:
https://nysdec.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ae91142c812a4ab997ba739e
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If you feel that you or your pets are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
irritation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory system due to exposure to a harmful bloom please contact
your health care provider or veterinarian. More information regarding harmful algae blooms can
be found at www.cayugacounty.us/health. Any questions or to report any symptoms you think
may be related to exposure to harmful algal blooms contact the Cayuga County Health Department