New Blue-Green Algae Blooms Found In Agawam, Wickapogue Ponds

Stony Brook University scientists have confirmed new cyanobacteria algae blooms in both Lake Agawam and Wickapogue Pond in Southampton Village.

The finding prompted the Suffolk County Health Department to issue a warning this week, asking people not to swim in the contaminated bodies of water.

Cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae, are normally found in small numbers in lakes and ponds but can be dangerous to humans if they start to grow and form blooms. The algae are usually a shade of green, though they can also be blue-green, yellow, brown or red, explained a press release issued by Suffolk County. The algae may produce floating scum on the surface of the water, or may cause the water to take on “paint-like appearance,” the release notes.

Another new algae bloom was also recently identified in Wainscott Pond in Wainscott.

The county is urging individuals—especially children—as well as pets, to avoid the contaminated water. If contact does occur, immediately rinse off with clean water. Medical attention should be sought 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 algae-bloom in one of the county’s bodies of water, individuals are urged to 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 anytime via email at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov.