Recent sampling performed by SUNY Stony Brook has confirmed
the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom, more commonly known as blue–green algae,
in Agawam Lake in the Town of Southampton, NY.
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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