Harmful blue-green algae reported in Dryden Lake

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has confirmed the presence of multiple blue-green algae blooms in Dryden Lake.

Previously, the DEC confirmed harmful algal blooms in Cayuga Lake. The agency is continuing to monitor both lakes.

These blooms may be small and confined to specific areas of the shoreline and bays, Tompkins County Health Department officials said. Areas where blooms are not observed can continue to be used for recreational use.

The health department urges residents and visitors to be aware of the harmful algal blooms. 

"These blooms can occur in any calm body of water and may produce toxins that are harmful to people and animals," a health department news release stated.

Residents and visitors should not drink the water and should avoid contact with the water if it is discolored or has an unpleasant odor.

Those who come into contact with suspicious blue-green algae should rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove it. Residents and visitors should rinse their dogs as well so they do not lick their coats.

Medical attention should be sought immediately if there are symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties  after drinking or having contact with blooms or untreated surface water.

The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, Discover Cayuga Lake and the Community Science Institute have organized volunteers to conduct harmful algal bloom monitoring in Cayuga Lake this year, the news release stated. These “HAB Harriers” have been trained to identify harmful algal blooms and monitor selected locations on the shoreline on a weekly basis. The results are available on the Community Science Institute website:
communityscience.org/cayuga-lake-2018-harmful-algal-blooms-results/.

Information on these and other blooms are reported by the DEC and are available at tompkinscountyny.gov/health/eh/water/algae.

What to do if you find algae blooms

Report any harmful algal bloom-related health symptoms to the New York State Health Department at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov or call the Tompkins County Health Department at 607-274-6604.

If you see a suspicious bloom, stay out of the water and report the bloom to the DEC at habshotline@gmail.com. 

Please fill out and submit a Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form, found here at dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/suspalgformedit.pdf. Email the completed form and, if possible, attach digital photos (close-up and landscape to show extent and location) of the suspected bloom to Habshotline@gmail.com.

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