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State reports high toxins in Canandaigua, Keuka lakes from algae

Daily Messenger - 9/24/2017

Sept. 24--State Department of Environmental Conservation reports lab samples this week confirmed high toxins from blue-green algae in Canandaigua and Keuka lakes. This week, the DEC added 16 waterbodies to the notification list. There are currently 65 waterbodies statewide with blooms on the list.

Kevin Olvany, Canandaigua Lake Watershed program manager, had reported that results from three samples collected Monday showed high toxins. Mid-week, it appeared the vast majority of the lake was not experiencing bloom level conditions. Instead, blooms tended to be located along sections of shoreline and near shore areas where the gentle wind caused algae to concentrate.

Conditions can change quickly on the lake.

"This warm, sunny and calm weather continues to provide potential excellent growing conditions for algae. Conditions can change quickly on the lake, so we cannot say where blue green algae will be present and whether it will reach bloom conditions in a specific location. During very calm conditions blooms can potentially generate at the surface in the mid-lake areas as well," Olvany reported.

"Before going into the water, look for signs of blue green algae. If you see anything suspicious such as discolored water, dots in the water streaks of algae or outright bloom conditions- avoid it! In addition, remember that your pets can be especially vulnerable to Blue Green Algae since they drink a lot of water when in the lake and the algae can concentrate on their fur and they can ingest large quantities when they groom themselves," Olvany reported.

To learn how to help stave off blue-green algae, read the DEC and New York Federation of Lake Associations' publication, Diet for a Small Lake. http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/82123.html

Avoid and Report Suspected Blooms

Because waterbodies may have HABs that have not been reported to DEC, DEC recommends avoiding contact with floating mats, scum and discolored water. If you suspect you have seen a HAB, or you, your family, or pet has been in contact with a HAB, please follow the instructions for reporting a bloom to DEC. If you see it, avoid it and report it!

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