Upstate NY beach closed to swimming because of suspected blue-green algae

CANANDAIGUA — The Kershaw Park bathing beach on Canandaigua Lake in the city of Canandaigua is closed to swimming because of a suspected harmful algal bloom in the swim area seen Monday, July 29. The dog beach there also is closed.

Sandy Bottom Beach on Honeoye Lake in the town of Richmond also, is closed because a reported HAB in the swim area on the evening of July 29.

The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association reported that blooms were observed July 23 on the east side of Canandaigua Lake, resulting in the closure of Deep Run Beach.

Two cyanoHABs samples were collected that day and brought to the certified laboratory at the Finger Lakes Institute in Geneva for analysis. The blue-green chlorophyll content in the samples confirmed the blooms, as both were more than six times the DEC’s threshold of 25 micrograms per liter, according to the Watershed Association.

Blooms have the potential to produce high toxins, so residents are asked to exercise caution and avoid areas that have green discolored water, surface streaking, a pea-soup like appearance or scums.

Exposure to blue-green algae can be harmful for both humans and animals. Anyone who comes in contact with blooms should wash the impacted area with soap and water, or use clean water to rinse it thoroughly.

To report suspicious blooms or for more information, email the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association at HABS@canandaigualakeassoc.org. For more information contact the Ontario County Department of Public Health at 585-396-4343.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Upstate NY beach closed to swimming because of suspected blue-green algae