Harmful Algal Blooms Found on Cayuga and Owasco Lakes – Two Beaches Closed

The Cayuga County Health Department has confirmed Harmful Algal Blooms, or HABs, have been found on both Cayuga and Owasco lakes. As a result, two bathing beaches have been closed; they are Camp Y Owasco and the Owasco Yacht Club.

The Health Department says they have been monitoring the water quality at public beaches regularly and will close swim areas when deemed a potential hazard. The two beaches closed will be allowed to reopen once HABs are no longer visible and water samples taken from the swim area and sent for analysis come back satisfactory.

Residents will also not be notified of HABs blooms via a press release through the Health Department as the department says HABs are prevalent in bodies of water during the warm months.

“We do encourage the public who are heading out to a public bathing beach to contact the beach operator prior to arriving to determine if it is open for swimming.”

Cayuga County Health said.

HABs appear on water as a shade of green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or red, and can be a paint-like or floating mats or scum. The algal can be harmful to both pets and humans and should avoid all contact; exposure includes vomiting, diarrhea, itching, seizures, etc. 

If you or a pet do come into contact with an HAB, rinse with clean water immediately.

Residents may also report blooms through the Department of Environmental Conservation HERE.