Owasco, N.Y. — A harmful algae bloom was reported Tuesday on Owasco Lake near the Owasco Country Club, county health officials announced Thursday.
This is the first bloom on the lake this year, according to the Cayuga County Health Department. Last year, one bloom forced a beach to be closed.
The bloom was reported to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The agency determined the bloom to be small.
State information on harmful algae blooms
Blooms have become common on the lake later in the summer.
Officials advise people to avoid water if it appears discolored with a paint-like film or floating scum. Never swim, boat or fish in an area with a bloom, officials said.
Untreated water that is contaminated with a bloom is unsafe to consume, they said.
The lake serves as the primary source of drinking water for Auburn and Owasco but is first treated and disinfected, health officials said. Officials monitor the water and will inform the public if the drinking water becomes unsafe, they said.
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