As summer comes to an end, the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) urges all watershed users to be vigilant for the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on our lakes. HABs are excessive growths of cyanobacteria (commonly called blue-green algae) that can degrade water quality and threaten the health of people, pets, and wildlife. While not all blooms produce toxins, some can release harmful compounds that may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation—and in more serious cases, liver or neurological damage.
In the Upper Saranac watershed, HABs tend to emerge during the early fall months—particularly in September and October—when surface water begins to mix with deeper layers, bringing nutrient-rich water to the surface. These conditions, combined with calm winds, high sunlight, and warm temperatures, can trigger blooms.
What You Can Do:
Know It:
HABs come in many forms. They can appear as green streaks, scattered dots, pea soup-like scum, or even blue-green or whitish discoloration on the surface of the water.
Avoid It:
Don’t swim, wade, or allow pets near suspected blooms. Toxins can be absorbed through the skin, swallowed, or inhaled.
WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT.
Report It:
If you think you’ve seen a HAB, please report it to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation by filling out this form: Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form.
Prevent It:
HABs are fueled by excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen. Many of these nutrients come from land-based sources. Everyone can help by taking small, preventive actions:
- Maintain your septic system to prevent nutrient leaks into nearby waterways
- Reduce or eliminate the use of lawn fertilizers
- Manage stormwater runoff by planting native vegetation, reducing impervious surfaces, and using rain gardens or swales
- Avoid feeding ducks or geese, which can contribute excess nutrients to the water
USF’s ongoing watershed management efforts are focused on reducing nutrient inputs that accelerate lake aging and increase the risk of HABs. And while climate change is contributing to longer warm seasons that may favor blooms, our best line of defense is still local action.
To learn more about HABs and what you can do, visit USF’s HABs webpage:
https://usfoundation.net/programs/harmful-algal-blooms-habs/
