In New York, HABs occur most frequently in the mid to late summer months but can occur at any time of the year. Small bloom conditions can change rapidly due to changes in weather and lake currents. Larger blooms will likely persist throughout the summer once they become established.

Chautauqua Lake is reporting isolated blooms in the south basin, and Findley Lake not reporting any blooms at this time.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are naturally present in lakes. Nutrient-rich runoff from surrounding land, warm water temperature, and sunshine encourages blue-green algal growth. With the right conditions blue-green algae forms blooms, which may appear as floating rafts or scums on the surface of the water.

Be alert and watchful for blooms that may resemble pea soup or have a paint-like appearance with strong colors including blue-green, green, yellow, white, brown, purple, or red. Blooms are more likely in nearshore areas than open water areas.

HABs present a public health risk because they can release toxins that may be harmful to human and animal health. People and pets can be exposed to toxins by contact (touching, swallowing, and inhaling water droplets) with HABs during water recreation activities, through surface water use around the house, such as watering gardens, and through improperly treated drinking water. Municipal water treatment facilities in Chautauqua County do test for toxins in lake water as part of the treatment process.

“Not all blooms are hazardous, but the health department recommends taking the following precautions,” said Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County director of health and human services. “When swimming, wading, or boating, avoid areas with blooms or surface scums, or water that is noticeably discolored. This applies to everyone–adults, children, and animals. Don’t fish or eat fish caught from areas with blooms or surface scums, or water that is noticeably discolored. Pay attention to beach closures, advisory signs, press releases and websites. Never swim at beaches that are closed. Never drink, prepare food, cook, or make ice with untreated surface water, bloom or no bloom.”

If people or pets are accidentally exposed to a bloom use clean water to rinse off as soon as possible. Consider medical attention if people or pets have symptoms including diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, skin irritation, and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties after exposure to surface waters with HABs.

New York State and Chautauqua County have active programs aimed at reducing the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen entering streams and lakes. Watershed management plans have been developed for several lakes in Chautauqua County, including Chautauqua and Findley. As the plans are implemented, improved water quality will follow, but it may take years to see improvements. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health investigate HAB reports, sample blooms for toxins, and conduct research to learn more about HABs and toxin production.

The Chautauqua County Health Department monitors permitted bathing beaches for HABs and the indicator bacteria E. coli. To best protect the public from possible illness, beaches are closed when the water exceeds bacteria safety standards and/or HABs are identified. The current status of Chautauqua County permitted public beaches and additional information about HABs are listed on the County Website at https://chqgov.com/environmental-health/beach-closings.

You can learn how to identify HABs with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s photo gallery at https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81962.html.