Dangerous Blue-Green Algae Discovered In Mill Pond, Wainscott Pond

Harmful cyanobacteria blooms—commonly known as blue-green algae, have been discovered in Mill Pond in Southampton and Wainscott Pond in East Hampton.

According to release sent out by the Suffolk County Department of Health, sampling performed by Stony Brook University confirmed the presence of a new cyanobacteria blooms.

Health officials are asking residents not to use or swim or wade in the waters and to keep their pets and children away from the area.

Although blue-green algae are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers, they can become abundant, forming blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance.

Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, the health department advises that people rinse off with clean water immediately, and seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that contains a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or by email at any time at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov.