HABs Reported on Otsego Lake

OTSEGO LAKE—In an e-mail circulated on Thursday, September 18, the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station reported that a small algal (cyanobacteria) bloom was observed at the BFS, located at Rat Cove just north of the Fenimore Art Museum.

“This localized bloom was associated with other lake debris,” BFS staff said. “Earlier this week, on September 15th, a bloom in the vicinity of Kingfisher Tower was reported to, and confirmed by, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (New York Harmful Algal Bloom Reporting System [NYHABS).”

According to the e-mail, small surface blooms were also observed on Wednesday, September 17 during periods of calm winds, though they were short-lived and therefore not photographed for reporting to the DEC. The current weather pattern of warm, clear skies lends itself to the development of intermittent blooms of this type, officials said.

The BFS—in collaboration with the Otsego Watershed Supervisory Committee and the Otsego County Conservation Association—advises the public to keep watch along the shoreline and at the water surface, especially in sheltered areas, including boat slips and small coves.

“Avoid discolored or cloudy water, green streaks, foamy accumulations, etc., as these areas may contain cyanobacteria and the associated toxins. If you see suspicious conditions, report it to the NYSDEC HABs Program via the online report tool,” officials said.

Weather and lake conditions are prime for the continued development of harmful algal blooms, they explained, which may be intermittent and change quickly. Lake users should check the water conditions before entering the water or allowing pets or children to do so.

“You can make decisions about how you decide to interact with the lake,” BFS officials said. “Remember, HABs can be dangerous to humans and animals. If we learn of additional confirmed HABs, we will use this system to notify you of that information. For more information on HABS and related health concerns, visit the NYSDEC website.”

“We also note that the New York State Department of Health recommends against the use of untreated surface waters for domestic use; during blooms, surface waters treated with individual home treatment systems should not be used for domestic use (see https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2849/index.htm) to learn more,” officials advised.