BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department and the Western Regional Office of the New York State Department of Health in Hornell has issued a Blue-green Algae Advisory for Tanglewood Lake in Thurston and Smith Pond in Howard. Blue-green algae may cause water to have a paint-like appearance, floating scum on the surface, or may strongly color water to appear blue-green, green, yellow, white, brown, purple, or red.
People and animals should avoid all contact with algae blooms, scums and colored water. Algal blooms can be toxic and pose serious health risks to people and pets. Blue-green algae exposure can cause skin or eye irritation through touch, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should stay out of water where blooms are present.
The Department of Health recommends taking the following precautions:
The Department of Health recommends taking the following precautions:
- • Don’t swim, wade, boat or fish near blooms or scums, and don't eat fish caught from waters with blooms.
- • Don’t drink the water; boiling water will not remove blue-green algae or their toxins.
- • Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums.
- • Rinse off exposed areas with clean water.
