Persistent blue-green algae is still reported at Maratooka Lake in Mattituck.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said yesterday that cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, has exceeded bloom criteria in three new water bodies in Suffolk County, including Old Town Pond in Southampton, Kellis Pond in Bridgehampton and Wainscott Pond in Wainscott.
They added that the blue-green algae also persist at Agawam Lake and Mill Pond in Southampton, parts of Lake Ronkonkoma – and Maratooka Lake.
Health officials have asked residents not to use, swim or wade in the waters and to keep pets and children away from the area.
Extra precautions should be taken to avoid direct exposure to waters at Agawam Lake, as levels of cyanobacteria and associated toxins in Agawam Lake are very high, officials said.
Cyanobacteria are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers; however, they can become abundant, forming blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water, or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance.
Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately, official said. 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.
To report a suspected cyanobacteria bloom at a body of water that contains a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760.
Or, to report a suspected cyanobacteria bloom that is in a body of water located within Suffolk County but 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.
Last month, officials also urged residents to stay out Maratooka Lake in Mattituck after confirmation by Stony Brook University that cyanobacteria blooms were found in the water.
Maratooka Lake had a similar alert last year, as well.
For more information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website by clicking here.
