New Cyanobacteria Blooms Found in Lake Ronkonkoma and Southampton

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reporting 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, in Lake Ronkonkoma and Wickapogue Pond in Southampton.

Due to these findings, health officials ask residents not to use these 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.

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.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

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

For additional information about blue-green algae, as well as other harmful algal blooms, visit the following websites:

https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Environmental-Quality/Ecology/Harmful-Algal-Blooms

https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae/

https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html