BREWSTER, NY—As the weather heats up this summer, the Putnam County Department of Health is alerting residents about harmful algal blooms, also known as “HABs.” They can arrive as early as May when temperatures soar, presenting a serious health hazard for residents and their pets when swimming, boating, or just cooling off at the water’s edge. For the last two years HAB detections have been observed at 20 of Putnam County’s 32 regulated bathing beaches.

“Our county is home to many beautiful and serene lakes, and we are aware that algal blooms are a concern for residents,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “Our community health assessment has identified this as a top ten challenge. With the warming weather, this is not unexpected and it is a problem statewide and beyond.”

“Many algal blooms are harmless,” said Shawn Rogan, environmental health director at the Putnam County Department of Health. “In fact, they serve an important role in the aquatic food chain. However, some species produce toxins that are harmful to both people and animals. In our freshwater lakes, HABs are usually cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae. These bacteria are usually present in low numbers. When nutrient levels rise and warm temperatures occur, then the algae reproduce rapidly to form ‘blooms.’ This increases the toxin levels in the water, and can pose a risk if toxins are ingested, inhaled, or simply through skin contact.”

Public Health Sanitarian Vincent Perrin explained further, saying “Blue-green algae can take on different looks. They may appear like scattered green dots or long streaks. Sometimes they look like pea soup or spilled paint. They may even simply appear as a blue-green or white discoloration to the water.”

Sometimes it is hard to tell a HAB from other non-toxic green algae blooms. As a result, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Putnam County Department of Health recommend avoiding all discolored water, floating mats or scums. To become more familiar with the look of these blue-green algae blooms, an online HABs Photo Gallery is on the DEC website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81962.html   

Understanding when and where HABs are most likely to occur improves monitoring and reporting these blooms to the health department. Many factors contribute to blooms in addition to seasonal warm weather. In Putnam, which has several areas with a high density of homes around lakes, the run-off from fertilizers and septic systems can contribute to increased nutrients levels, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, in lakes. This local factor feeds algal growth.

Residents are advised not to go in any water that appears discolored. “If you see what you think might be a HAB in or on the water, stay out and keep any pets away as well,” advised Mr. Rogan. “Tell the lifeguard, a staff person, or the beach operator.” HABs on public beaches can also be reported directly to the health department by calling 845-808-1390.

The health department regulates all public beaches. Annual inspections and water testing ensure that facilities are operating according to public health law. The department posts beach closures online daily, Monday through Friday. Closures become necessary not only when a HAB occurs, but also if coliform bacteria levels rise above a safe level and can be viewed on the department webpage at https://putnamcountyny.gov/health/beaches. Tips on recognizing HABs and additional photos can be found also on the Putnam County beach closure page.

“Remember HABs can vary in color,” Mr. Perrin warned, “from blue-green to white or yellow. Another HAB characteristic is that they can come and go very quickly. They can also seem to disappear, so that a beach with a HAB in the morning may look clear by afternoon, but unsafe toxin levels may still exist,” he said.

If there is potential exposure to a HAB, the interim Health Commissioner Michael Nesheiwat, MD, advises rinsing with clean water as soon as possible, and this applies to people and pets alike. Dr. Nesheiwat adds, “if exposure does occur and symptoms follow, you should consider medical attention. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye, or throat irritation, and other allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.” In addition to consulting a healthcare provider, the health department should be informed as soon as possible as well.

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), serves a community composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are provided through a lens of equity, and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit our County website at www.putnamcountyny.com, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.