NILES — The Cayuga County Health Department closed two bathing beaches Tuesday because of harmful algal blooms: Camp Y Owasco in Niles and the Owasco Yacht Club in Owasco, both on Owasco Lake.
The Health Department monitors the water quality at public beaches routinely and closes swimming areas when a potential hazard is identified.
When the blooms are no longer visible, water samples from the swimming area will be collected and analyzed. before the beaches are re-opened, the Cayuga County Health Department states in a release.
The department will not issue a release every time it finds a harmful algal bloom, but does suggest swimmers contact the beach operator to check whether it’s open.
The Cayuga County Health Department gave these details:
• HABs can appear on water as shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or red, paint-like or floating mats or scum.
• People, pets and livestock should avoid all contact with water that is discolored or has floating mats or scum on the surface.
• Do not swim, fish, or wade in water with suspected or confirmed HABs. If you or a pet have had contact with a suspected or confirmed HAB, rinse with clean water immediately.
• Report suspected HABs through the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s reporting system at on.ny.gov/habform or email HABsInfo@dec.ny.gov.
• If vomiting, diarrhea, itching or seizures occur following HAB exposure, seek medical attention immediately.
To see New York locations with confirmed blooms, go to https://on.ny.gov/nyhabs.
For more on algal blooms, go to www.cayugacounty.us/health.
