Harmful Algal Blooms in areas of Black Lake this summer

[RochNY]

Everyone, please be aware of the information in the attached poster from the St. Lawrence County Department of Health and the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District.

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=4 ... sp=safe&zw

Black Lake remains a great place to visit, recreate, fish and boat. But please be aware of this temporary and seasonal risk and take simple actions listed to protect you and your family from potential harm just as you know to do from storm conditions, reptiles or any other natural hazard.

While it is natural to have some algae every summer, it is one particular organism that is of concern this summer. It is present in most all waterbodies at all times, but doesn't always have population explosions and even when there is a 'bloom' it does not always produce the toxin Microcystin. This summer some confirmed blooms of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) on Black Lake have results showing extremely high levels of the toxin Microcystin--the highest measured this summer among those NY lakes that have been sampled and analyzed.

We provide this information so you have a safe, fun, visit to Black Lake. Other lakes in NYS are experiencing this problem this year as well. This year has had some extreme conditions that have resulted in localized harmful blue-green algal blooms (cyanobacteria) with high levels of bacterial toxins. It has been continuously hot weather, very little rainfall, lake level is very low and nutrient levels in the lake are increasing, providing food for growth of weeds and algae. Do not eat the fish you catch--catch and release. Do not drink the water. Boiling the water will not make it safe to drink. Wash thoroughly if you or pets are exposed to algal blooms or you experience skin irritation after being in the water. Do not allow pets that have been in the water to groom themselves--wash them off.

Sincerely,

Rich Henderson, President, Black Lake Association, Inc.
Preserve, Protect, Enhance Black Lake