New Cyanobacteria Blooms Found On South Fork

SOUTH FORK, NY — New cyanobacteria blooms were found at Old Town Pond in Southampton and Georgica Pond in East Hampton.

According to the Suffolk County Department of Health, analysis of surface water samples performed by SUNY Stony Brook has confirmed the presence of a new cyanobacteria bloom, more commonly known as blue–green algae, in Old Town Pond and Georgica Pond in East Hampton.

Due to the findings, health officials have asked residents not to use or swim or wade in the waters and to keep their 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.

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

To view a map of all affected fresh waterbodies in New York State, click here.