Despite the arrival of fall, warmer-than-normal temperatures are continuing to fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs) throughout the Upper Saranac Lake region. HABs result from rapid algae growth, which negatively impacts water quality. Certain HABs release toxins that can be dangerous to people, animals, and the environment. Water in HAB-affected areas should not be used for drinking, cooking, recreational activities, or by pets.
Most of the blooms this season have been low-density and short-lived, but they have appeared in various spots across the lake, not confined to a single location. This fall, HABs were also documented in Lower Fish Creek Pond, with recent occurrences noted in the North Basin, Little Square Bay, Gilpin Bay, and Pelky Bay.
In response to the blooms, the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) activated its Emergency Action Plan, collecting water samples and submitting data to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). This past week USF sent email notifications to over 1,300 watershed stakeholders and provided updates to more than 1,400 followers on social media. Lake users were advised to watch for HABs and to avoid impacted areas.
Preventing and Managing HABs
The best action is to recognize and avoid HABs and report them promptly. Reducing the likelihood of future blooms, however, requires understanding their causes. Climate change is a significant factor; rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns create favorable conditions for algae. Nutrient pollution, particularly from phosphorus and nitrogen, is another major driver of HABs. USF’s watershed management focuses on reducing these nutrient inputs through education and advocacy.
Improving water quality also means addressing land practices, such as managing septic systems, minimizing fertilizer use, and improving stormwater management. By taking proactive measures to reduce nutrient pollution, we can protect the health of the Upper Saranac Watershed and mitigate future HAB risks.
Persistent blooms can severely impact local recreation and tourism, leading to economic challenges, including reduced property values in regions like the Upper Saranac region that rely on water-based activities.
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