Blue-Green Algae Found In Southampton Ponds

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — New cyanobacteria blooms, known as blue-green algae, have been found in Southampton and Water Mill, the Suffolk County Department of Health said Wednesday.

An analysis of surface water samples performed by SUNY Stony Brook confirmed the presence of the cyanobacteria blooms in Old Town Pond in Southampton and Mill Pond in Water Mill.

The blue-green algae was also found in Artist Lake in Middle Island, and New Mill Pond, also known as Blydenburgh Lake, in Smithtown, officials said.

Due to the findings, health officials have asked residents not to use or swim or wade in those waters and to keep their children and pets away from the area, the DOH said.

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 a paint-like appearance, the DOH said.

Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. People should seek medical attention if symptoms occur after contact including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties, the DOH said.

To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at a body of water that does not contain a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach, click here. To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that does contain 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 email scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov.