WARNING: THE TOXINS FOUND IN PROSPECT PARK LAKE EVERY YEAR ARE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS THAT AFFECT HUMANS AND ANIMALS

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health have announced the opening of the 2024 online New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) interactive map. Click OK to view the map.

Every year, Harmful Algal Blooms grow in Prospect Park Lake and other bodies of fresh water. DEC is asking the public and trained algal bloom samplers to electronically send reports of HABs with photos via a simple, mobile phone-friendly form. 

Once evaluated by DEC and DOH, the reports are posted to the NYHABS page to provide easy access to inform the public about HAB locations in New York.

Most algae blooms are harmless. However, exposure to toxins and other substances from certain HABs can make humans and other mammals, birds, and fish sick.

Avoid contact with all floating mats, scum, and discolored water.

Adults, children, dogs, and other animals should not go into the lake or near the shoreline. 

Anyone who has been in contact with a HAB should rinse thoroughly with soap and water--or just with clean water, if that's all that's available at the moment.

Anyone who might have been exposed to a bloom and is experiencing any symptoms should get medical help immediately and should also contact the New York City Department of Health (DOH).

HABs have been monitored closely across New York State since 2012. In 2023, DEC’s Division of Water published an analysis of HABs titled “Detections of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in New York State, United States (2012–2020).”

HABs present several management challenges, and that study and other research help advance the understanding of HABs to inform sound, scientifically driven, decision-making to protect public health and the environment.

When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to:

• Know It – HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint to blue-green or white coloration.
• Avoid It – People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.
• Report It –The public should report a suspected HAB through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC’s website. Report health concerns related to HABs to DOH at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.

For more information about HABs, visit DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) webpage. You can download the HABs brochure and program guide, which includes information and links to resources regarding bloom prevention, management, and control.

 

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