Widespread Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) on Western Shores of Cayuga Lake
July 9, 2025
Waterloo, NY- Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), also known as Blue-Green algae, are widespread across the western shores of Cayuga Lake. Numerous HABs have been reported along the shores, stretching from Varick to Taughannock. The western shoreline of Cayuga Lake is currently experiencing outbreaks of HABs, but the conditions are appropriate for HABs to form anywhere on Cayuga or Seneca Lake. The Seneca County Health Department is advising residents to exercise caution around any bodies of water experiencing HABs.
HABs typically form during extended periods of warm temperatures and low winds. HABs consist of Cyanobacteria, a bacteria that contains harmful toxins which cause health risks for humans and animals. Contact with a HAB primarily occurs from ingestion and/or skin contact. Health effects from HABs in humans can consist of skin or respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, or vomiting. If you come into contact with a HAB and are experiencing any of these symptoms you are encouraged to contact your healthcare provider. Animals can experience more severe complications from contact with HABs including death. If you or your pet come into contact with a HAB, you should immediately rinse the eyes and skin with fresh water to minimize potential risk. Boaters and kayakers are encouraged to thoroughly clean, wash, and drain their vessels after potential contact with a HAB.
The best way to protect yourself from a Harmful Algal Bloom is to: Know it, Avoid it, Report it.
Know it-Weather plays a major factor in the formation of HABs. With the high temperatures and low winds, the Finger Lakes region has been experiencing, HABs are occurring daily across the Finger Lakes. Blooms accumulate at the surface anywhere on a body of water. It might be a harmful algae bloom in surface water if you see:
- Strongly colored water (blue-green, green, yellow, white, brown, purple, or red).
- Paint-like appearance.
- Floating mats or scum.
Avoid it- Always stay away from suspected blooms. Do not swim, wade, fish, or boat in a bloom. Fish caught from areas with HABs should not be eaten. Residents who draw water directly from the lake should not drink or use affected water for household purposes (including cooking, bathing, making ice, etc.) if a HAB is near their property.
Report it- If you see a Harmful Algal Bloom, please report it to New York State’s online HABs map and reporting system: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/e5dec19912454731a308bbb7af605fb3/
More information on Harmful Algal Blooms can be found at the following links:
https://senecacountyhealthdepartment.com/habs/
http://www.communityscience.org/monitoring-partnerships/harmful-algal-bloom-monitoring/
