New Blue-Green Algae Found In Hamptons, Officials Say

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — New cyanobacteria blooms have been found in the Hamptons.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed the presence of new cyanobacteria blooms, or blue-green algae, in Georgica Pond in East Hampton and Sagg Pond in Sagaponack. In addition, cyanobacteria blooms are still present at Agawam Lake in Southampton, Fresh Pond on Shelter Island, Mill Pond in Southampton, Roth Pond at SUNY Stony Brook, Laurel Lake in Laurel, Maratooka Lake in Mattituck and Wainscott Pond in Wainscott.

Due to the findings, health officials are asking residents not to use or swim or wade in these 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. 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, health officials said. If contact does occur, 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 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 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or by email at any time at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov

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

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

For more information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website.

Patch file photo.