Cyanobacteria Blooms Found in Big Reed Pond in Montauk

MONTAUK, NY — New cyanobacteria blooms, or blue-green algae, have been found at Big Reed Pond in Montauk County Park.

Sampling performed by SUNY Stony Brook confirmed the discovery of the new cyanobacteria blooms, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health.

Click here for a list of other Suffolk County locations where cyanobacteria blooms currently exist.

Health officials have asked residents not to use, swim or wade in the water and to keep 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 mostly typically in shades of green but also in shades of blue-green, yellow, brown or red, officials said. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance, officials said.

Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, residents are advised rinse off with clean water immediately.

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 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 DEC: 518-402-8179 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or anytime via email at habsinfo@dec.ny.gov.

To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that does contain a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by email at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov.

For a comprehensive list of affected waterbodies in New York State,visit the DEC’s harmful algal bloom notification page by clicking here.

For additional information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website by clicking here.