The Cayuga County Health Department has closed two bathing beaches after harmful algal blooms have been confirmed on Cayuga and Owasco lakes.聽
The beaches at Camp Y-Owasco and Owasco Yacht Club are closed due to the hazard. The health department will collect samples from the swimming area when the harmful algal blooms are no longer visible, according to a news release.聽
If the water testing results are satisfactory, the beaches will reopen to the public.聽
"Since HABs are quite prevalent on bodies of water during the warmer weather, we will not be issuing a press release on each occasion that HABs are present on bathing beaches," the department wrote in its news release. "We do encourage the public who are heading out to a public bathing beach to contact the beach operator prior to arriving to determine if it is open for swimming."聽
The health department also reminded the public about identifying and reporting harmful algal blooms. The blooms can appear as shades of blue-green, brown, green, red or yellow. It can look like floating mats or scum.聽
Harmful algal blooms can cause negative health effects in people and animals. If you or your pet have contact with a confirmed or suspected bloom, you should rinse with clean water. You should not swim or fish in water with confirmed or suspected harmful algal blooms.聽
To report a suspected harmful algal bloom, visit or email habsinfo@dec.ny.gov.
