Health Department Clears Westchester's Mohegan Lake Beaches to Reopen

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — County health officials have cleared two Mohegan Lake beaches to reopen, after being ordered closed due to a toxic algae boom.

The Westchester County Health Department has cleared the Mohegan Colony Association and the Mohegan Beach Park District, both on Mohegan Lake, to reopen, following water testing that confirmed the harmful algae bloom had completely cleared from the swim areas.

SEE ALSO: Health Officials Order 2 Beaches Closed Due To Algae Bloom

The two beaches are the only Westchester County-regulated beaches on Mohegan Lake, according to health officials.

Blue-green algae are microscopic, single-celled organisms, known as cyanobacteria. While they naturally occur in lakes, streams and oceans, some blue-green algae produce toxins. Under certain conditions, the algae can rapidly grow and cause harmful algae blooms, which can discolor the water or produce floating scums. These blooms can harm people and animals if the algae touches skin or if contaminated water is swallowed or droplets are inhaled.

SEE ALSO: 9 Sound Shore Beaches 'Preemptively' Closed For Thursday And Friday