Harmful Algal Blooms – Skaneateles Lake Association

Harmful Algal Blooms

What is a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)?

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams generally consist of visible patches of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria are naturally present in low numbers in most aquatic systems.

When conditions include excessive nutrients (e.g., phosphorus), warm temperatures, and calm winds, cyanobacteria may multiply rapidly and form blooms that are visible on the surface of the lake. Certain types of cyanobacteria produce toxins and other harmful compounds that can pose health risks to people and animals through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation.

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HAB Response Plan

In 2017, a lake-wide HAB turned the entire lake green prompting the SLA to develop the Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan. The plan focuses on ways to prevent nutrient-loading using the following SLA core programs:

Lake Improvement Projects
Research & Monitoring
Education & Community Outreach

HAB Shoreline Monitoring

Skaneateles Lake participates in the NYSDEC HAB Surveillance Program. Over 30 residents have been trained in identifying and reporting HABs, and are monitoring the lake weekly. SLA documents HAB occurrences, reports them to the NYSDEC, and informs the community on our website, in email and on social media channels.

Lake Friendly Living

In addition to SLA programs and shoreline monitoring, watershed residents can help slow down or eliminate future HAB occurrences by practicing Lake Friendly Living. Learn how to reduce nutrient loading into Skaneateles Lake using the SLA Community Guide to Lake Friendly Living.

HAB Safety Advisories

Know it, avoid it, report it. More from the NYSDEC here.
The City of Syracuse conducts testing to determine if toxins are present in the municipal drinking water. If conditions in the municipal drinking water supply warrant a public health advisory, one will be issued by the Onondaga County Health Department.
Never drink, prepare food, cook, or make ice with untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present. In addition to toxins, untreated surface water may contain bacteria, parasites, or viruses that could cause illness if consumed.
People not on public water supplies should not drink surface water during an algal bloom, even if it is treated, because in-home treatments such as boiling, disinfecting water with chlorine or ultraviolet (UV), and water filtration units do not protect people from HABs toxins.
People, pets and livestock should avoid contact with any floating mats, scums, or discolored water. Colors can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red.
Blooms can change locations and dissipate rather quickly, so it is important to use your best judgement when deciding to use the water and to keep an eye out for new bloom locations.
Exposure to any cyanobacteria HABs can cause health effects in people and animals when water with blooms is touched, swallowed, or when airborne droplets are inhaled. This is true regardless of toxin levels; some blue-green algae produce toxins, while others do not. Exposure to blooms and toxins can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. People and pets should avoid contact with blooms, and should rinse off with clean water if contact occurs. Click here for more guidance from NYSDOH.

HAB Reporting

If you suspect that you have seen a HAB, please report the HAB to DEC. Fill out and submit a Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form.

- If possible, attach digital photos (close-up and landscape to show extent and location) of the suspected HAB in the web form.
- Email HABsInfo@dec.ny.gov if you are not able to complete the form.
Please report any health symptoms to NYS Health Department at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov and your local health department.