Blue-Green Algae Found in Maratooka Lake

Stony Brook University confirmed on Thursday that cyanobacteria blooms, or blue–green algae, has been found in Maratooka Lake in Mattituck.

Health officials ask residents not to use, swim or wade in the lake and to keep their pets and children away from the area.

Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided.

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.

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: 518-402-8179.