Syracuse, N.Y. -- A harmful algae bloom has been confirmed in Skaneateles Lake, the source of Syracuse's unfiltered drinking water.
The blooms were found along the west side of the lake just south of the village of Skaneateles, according to the Skaneleates Lake Association.
The lab at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry has confirmed that the species of algae -- actually a kind of bacteria called cyanobacteria -- is one likely to produce toxins. Further testing will reveal for sure whether the bloom has produced toxins known as microcystins.
"The species present has a high likelihood to be associated with toxic production," said ESF chemistry professor Gregory Boyer, who runs the lab. "We're starting to move into that September season when the toxic species become more and more common."
Tests conducted by the Onondaga County Health Department have found no toxins since Aug. 7 in the intakes pipes in the lake from which Syracuse draws its drinking water. The most recent test was conducted a week ago.
Two beaches on the lake were closed in early August because of a bloom, and Lourdes Camp closed a week later after a separate bloom.
A year ago, toxins from a major bloom on the lake infiltrated the water pipes for weeks. Syracuse added extra chlorine during that time, and officials said none of the toxins reached tap water.
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