Blue-Green Algae Still a Concern

The Army Corps of Engineers is continuing to alert visitors to the Allegheny Reservoir about a blue-green algae bloom.

The bloom could be harmful to people and pets if they come in contact with it. Direct contact, or even breathing airborne droplets, containing high levels of the toxins can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat as well as inflammation in the respiratory tract, according to the New York State Department of Health.

The bloom was found in the New York State portion of the Allegheny Reservoir from Quaker Bay downstream to Willow Bay.

Surface water affected by blue-green algae often is so strongly colored that it can develop a paint-like appearance.

Under some environmental conditions, blue-green algae can become so abundant that they form floating rafts or scums on the surface of the water.
NY Department of Health photos

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