HABs Seen Around Findley Lake

Images and details will be posted as soon as any are sent to us.

What is a HAB?

A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) occurs when colonies of algae grow out of control and produce toxins that can harm humans, animals, and the environment. HABs can be visually identified by discoloration of the water, sometimes resembling "pea soup," "grass clippings," or "spilled paint".

Exposure to HAB toxins can cause skin irritation, rashes, and respiratory problems like coughing and throat irritation. Ingesting contaminated water can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable to HABs, as they can ingest toxins from the water or by grooming themselves after contact with contaminated fur. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and neurological issues.

Identifying HABs

We saw this ugly green stuff in the photo floating by the dock last weekend and wondered - is that a HAB? How can we check?

We took a photo then went to the New York DEC's HAB website to compare with their examples of what HABs look like and what Non-Toxic Green Algal Blooms look like. It turns out that the silky, hairy, green cotton candy like stuff near our dock is most likely a Non-Toxic Green Algae, which although really disgusting to swim around, is not toxic.

If you're curious about what you see in the lake we encourage you to check it out on the DEC's HAB website, which includes important info on what to do if contact occurs with HABs and "Staying Safe Around HABs".

And if it looks like a HAB, please report it on the DEC website and attach the photo with a description of when and where you took the photo in an email to the Findley Lake Watershed Foundation at contact@findleylakewf.org