Harmful Algae Found In Central Park Waters, State Says

CENTRAL PARK, NY — Two bodies of water in Central Park are home to algae blooms that may produce toxins harmful to humans and animals, according to lab tests conducted this month by the New York State Department of Environmental Protection.

The algae blooms were confirmed in the Harlem Meer, located in the northeast corner of the park, and The Lake, a large body of water located on the west side of the park between West 71st and 77th streets, state officials said. The samples were taken from both bodies of water on June 4, according to lab test results.

The algae blooms in both the Harlem Meer and The Lake are considered "small localized," which means that most of the water is not home to the potentially toxic algae, according to the state DEP.

The Lake is located near some of the park's most popular attractions including the Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain and Loeb Boathouse.

Both bodies of water were able to avoid the dreaded "confirmed with high toxins bloom" status, but people shouldn't be rushing to hop in the water.

If harmful toxins are indeed located in the water human symptoms of exposure include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as irritated skin and throat and "asthma-like breathing difficulties."

Algae can also attach itself to pet fur and get into an animal's system when they clean themselves, the DEC says. Symptoms include stumbling and convulsions, "excessive" drooling and salivation, disorientation, an elevated heart rate and strained breathing.

If contact is made with the algae-infested waters, it should be washed off thoroughly with clean water, the DEC says.

Other bodies of water in the city that tested positive for harmful algae blooms include Morningside Pond in Manhattan, the Prospect Park Lake in Brooklyn and the Bowne Park pond in Flushing, Queens.

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