A suspected Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) of cyanobacteria, AKA blue-green algae, has been identified at various levels throughout Upper Saranac Lake in 9/14/2024
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) recommends avoiding contact with the water in areas of suspected blooms and not to drink, prepare food, cook, make ice, swim, fish, or boat in this area, and keep kids and pets away. Boiling the water will not remove blue-green algae or its toxins.
HABs occur when colonies of algae that live in the water grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, animals, and birds. Contact with a HAB and its toxins can cause negative health effects. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. Animal illnesses and deaths also have occurred when animals consumed large amounts of accumulated algal scum from along shorelines or when animals groomed blue-green algal scums from their fur.
If contact occurs: If you or your dog should come in contact with a HAB, rinse yourself and your pet thoroughly with clean water to remove algae as soon as possible. Stop using water and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties occur after drinking or having contact with blooms or untreated surface water.
Contact us at mirrorlk@gmail.com if you see a HAB (harmful algal bloom) or any green scum on Mirror Lake. Please be ready to describe the location and time.