Officials are urging residents to stay out Maratooka Lake in Mattituck after confirmation by Stony Brook University that cyanobacteria blooms, or blue-green algae, have been found in the water.
Health officials have urged residents not to use, swim or wade in the 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, according to Suffolk County. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on a paint-like appearance.
Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided, officials said. If contact does occur, it’s suggested that those affected rinse off with clean water immediately.
In addition, seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; as well as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that contains a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760.
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 Department of Environmental Conservation at (518) 402-8179.Lake Maratooka had a similar alert last June.
Maratooka Lake had a similar alert last June.
For more information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website by clicking here.
