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SUNY Stony Brook water quality sampling efforts have confirmed the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom — more commonly known as blue-green algae — in Stony Brook.
The bloom was found in the Stony Brook Duck Pond near Main Street and Harbor Road, it was announced Friday.
Another bloom was found in Spring Lake in Middle Island.
“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,” reads a county advisory.
Health officials advise residents not to use or swim or wade in either of the two listed water bodies.
High levels of the algae “may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance,” the announcement reads.
And, they say, keep pets and children away as well.
According to the county, livestock and pet deaths have occurred after these animals consumed large amounts of algal scum that had accumulated along shorelines.
If contact with waters that appear scummy should happen, then 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.
Click here for more information about blue-green algae.
To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom call 631-852-5760 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or send an email anytime to scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov.
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, call the state DEC at 518-402-8179 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or anytime via email at habsinfo@dec.ny.gov.
Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash
