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Blue-Green Algae Concerns Keeping Some Lower Hudson Valley Resident Out Of The Water

LAKE CARMEL, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Some Lower Hudson Valley residents looking to find relief from the heat are being told to stay out of the water over concerns of blue-green algae.

If you see a pea soup green slick on a lake, officials say stay out. Blue-green algae is toxic. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and skin irritation.

Across the Lower Hudson Valley, blue-green algae blooms have tainted more than half a dozen lakes and beaches have been closed recently in Lake Carmel, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.

"We're getting all the press...but it's all over the place," Town of Kent Supervisor Maureen Fleming said. 'If our getting this attention brings this discussion to the fore then at least something good has come of it."

Blue-Green Algae Concerns In Lower Hudson Valley

Lake Carmel just received permission to use algaecide, but Fleming believes a long-term statewide water management plan is needed.

"I would love for the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) to take the lead and, you know maybe in conjunction with DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) because so much of our water in this region is New York City water shed," Fleming said. "Ours is probably the most public at this point, but we are certainly not alone."

Algae blooms thrive in warm weather and feed on phosphorus from fertilizer runoff.

State DEC is monitoring the situation. It is not clear if there is an increase or if there has just been better reporting.

State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry And Stony Brook University are studying the problem.

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