Using DEC’s Harmful Algal Bloom Reporting System

Algae is an aquatic, photosynthetic organism that ranges in size from single-celled microalgae to large seaweeds. An algal bloom is a swift increase in the prevalence of algae in a body of water. In most cases, algae and algal blooms occur naturally, and are not harmful to humans or animals. At times, they are essential for the survival of aquatic ecosystems. However, in other cases, variations of cyanobacteria can develop toxin-producing algae, which leads to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

HABs have been documented in hundreds of water bodies across New York State alone. They are occurring increasingly due to rising temperatures in New York. HABs can cause health effects in humans or other animals if the infected water is ingested or makes contact with the skin, or if water droplets are inhaled. For example, eating contaminated seafood may lead to gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, the cyanobacterial toxins can cause liver damage, and touching infected water and then touching other body parts can result in irritation, especially in the eyes.

How Will I Know if Water Is Affected?

There are some physical characteristics of HABs that can manifest on the surface of water; they may look like foam, scum, or paint residue. HABs are most commonly blue-green in color, though they can also present as brown, red, or even purple. If HABs exist underwater, the physical signs can be more difficult to see. If there are no obvious physical signs of HABs, an odor of decaying plants may be present.  

Harmful Algal Bloom Reporting System

In order to reduce the impacts and frequency of HABs, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), along with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), has been investing in preventative measures to diminish excess nutrients and contaminants and keep them from entering waterways (where they can negatively affect water quality). The NYSDEC has come up with the slogan “Know it, Avoid it, Report it,” recommending that civilians get familiar with the signs of HABs in water bodies near them, avoid those impacted areas, and report suspicious-looking waters.

You can look up the location of current HABs and submit potential HABS that you have spotted to the New York HAB System (NYHABS). Here is how the NYHABS works:

• Citizens post their findings and the location of their proposed HAB sighting(s);
• Together, the NYSDEC and NYSDOH assess the reports;
• If the sighting is confirmed, the reports are posted on the NYHABS page and are added to the location map.

The more informative reports that are submitted, the more accurate the map of infected areas becomes, increasing the community’s safety and knowledge. You can learn more about the NYHABS here (the map is also linked on this webpage).

If you have questions on how to limit discharges from your site that contribute to HABs, contact Walden at 516-758-1273. Our water quality experts can help you determine the best approach! Also, if you’re interested in learning about HAB reduction methods, click here to read Walden’s previous blog on this topic.