New Blue-Green Algae Found In East Hampton, Flanders: Health Officials

EAST HAMPTON, NY — New cyanobacteria blooms, or "blue-green algae," have been found in East Hampton and Flanders, health officials said.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services reported that analysis of surface water samples performed by Stony Brook Southampton confirmed the presence of new cyanobacteria blooms, more commonly known as blue–green algae, at Silver Brook Pond in Flanders and Pond Lane Pond in East Hampton.

Due to the findings, health officials have asked residents not to use the waters and to keep children and pets 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.

It is advised to avoid contact with water that appears scummy or discolored. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, officials said.

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 scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov. To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that does not contain a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach, contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) by email habsinfo@dec.ny.gov.

To view a map of all affected fresh waterbodies in New York State, click NYHABS.