Seneca Lake watch reports 37 HABs

Sep 17, 2019 at 09:30 pm by Observer-Review


Seneca Lake watch reports 37 HABs ADVERTISEMENT

Seneca Lake watch reports 37 HABs

SENECA LAKE--The Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association released information on water testing last week that showed 37 confirmed algal blooms, all of which should be treated as toxic according to the group. There were 46 samples collected from Sept. 2 to the 8th, with additional testing expected bring the total number of blooms up.
There have now been five weeks of testing for blooms with the sixth currently taking place. Last year Seneca Lake saw the highest bloom growth from Sept. 11 to 13, but there were confirmed areas until the end of September. The water association has extended the monitoring period this year until Oct. 6 to include the whole bloom season.
HABs or harmful algal blooms often appear as significant streaking or staining and scum in the water with a green or blue-green color. The presence of cyanobacteria can harm both people and pets exposed to the water, however laboratory testing for the toxins often takes longer than the bloom is present. Last year 37 of 39 confirmed Seneca Lake bloom samples were highly toxic according to Department of Environmental Conservation guidelines.
The most up-to-date information on the sampling can be found at www.senecalake.org by clicking into the spreadsheet section of the reporting. There is also a map to show the sample locations and suspected HAB locations.
HAB exposure can happen through touch, ingestion or inhaling airborne droplets. Symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. Pets like dogs can be particularly susceptible as they are drawn by the odors in the lake. Severe liver and nerve poisoning can lead to death even under veterinary care, so keeping them out of bloom areas are important for pet owners.
Fish from bloom areas should not be eaten and water purification methods such as filtration, chlorine or ultraviolet light are ineffective at removing the toxins.
An interactive map is also produced by the DEC showing HABs across New York state. It can be seen at https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html.

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