Periodically in warmer weather months, some of our fresh water lakes in the Finger Lakes region have been affected by harmful algal blooms, causing a hazard for anyone swimming or using water for other purposes.  The New York State Department of Health website has information on blue-green algae and how to report a bloom sighting.  Swimming or ingesting water that has blue-green algal blooms can be hazardous to your health due to the potential for toxins that can be created in the blooms. These toxins are harmful to skin and other body organs for people, pets or other animals,  Avoiding the water until after the blooms are gone and cleared by environmental officials is always recommended.  To learn more about harmful algal blooms, read on: