Harmful algal blooms (HABs) were confirmed on Cayuga and Owasco Lakes on Tuesday, leading to the closure of bathing beaches at Camp Y Owasco and the Owasco Yacht Club.
“When the HABs are no longer visible at these beaches, water samples from the swimming area will be collected and sent for analysis. If the results are satisfactory, the beaches will be re-opened,” The Cayuga County Health Department said Tuesday. “Since HABs are quite prevalent on bodies of water during the warmer weather, we will not be issuing a press release on each occasion that HABs are present on bathing beaches.”
To stay in the know and safe when heading to NY beaches, contact the beach operator before arriving to determine if it is open for swimming.
A map of confirmed HABs within New York State is available on the New York State Department of Conservation website at on.ny.gov/nyhabs.
Cayuga Lake had more of the blooms than any other New York State body of water last year according to the NYSDEC. That’s why Ithaca-based environmental data firm Toxics Targeting released a statewide map tracking over 180 harmful algal blooms and urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to take action to eliminate harmful blooms across New York in a letter it sent to her office that same day.
How do harmful algal blooms affect people and wildlife?
It is hard to tell a harmful algal bloom from your typical non-damaging algal bloom, according to NYSDEC.
Blooms often appear as shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or red paint-like mats, or floating scum.

Walter Hang, president of Toxics Targeting, reviews a 2018 map of reported harmful algal blooms in New York State during a news conference at the Watkins Glen Public Library on Tuesday
Harmful Algal Blooms can negatively impact the health of people and animals, so do not swim, fish or wade in water with suspected or confirmed HABs, and don’t let others do so either. If symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, itching, seizures, etc.) occur following HAB exposure, seek medical attention immediately.
Report suspected HABs through the New York State Department of Conservation’s reporting system at on.ny.gov/habform through email at HABsInfo@dec.ny.gov.