Recreational exposures can occur while swimming, wading, fishing, or boating in areas with harmful algal blooms, if water is touched or swallowed, or when airborne droplets are inhaled.  Exposure to harmful algal blooms can cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.  Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms after exposure to harmful algal blooms.

Exposure to harmful algal blooms can be deadly for pets, especially if they drink water with harmful algal blooms or when they lick their fur after swimming in waters with harmful algal blooms.

For additional information visit the following sites:

https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae/

http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html

https://www.cdc.gov/habs/pdf/algal_bloom_tall_card.pdf

If you see a suspected harmful algal bloom on Keuka Lake it can be reported to the New York State DEC at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/suspalgformedit.pdf 

If you see a suspected harmful algal bloom on Seneca Lake it can be reported to Seneca Lake Pure Waters by calling 1-800-220-1609 or by emailing [email protected]  or to the New York State DEC at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/suspalgformedit.pdf