Toxic cyanobacteria found at Wainscott, Stony Brook ponds

Suffolk County health officials are warning residents and their pets to stay away from two ponds where a toxic algae known as cyanobacteria was recently found.

Officials said the blue-green algae was found by Stony Brook University biologists at Wainscott Pond in Wainscott and in Roth Pond in Stony Brook, health officials reported this week.

The blue-green algae is naturally found in lake and streams in low numbers, but can grow in larger quantities to form green, yellow, brown or red blooms. They can produce floating pond scums on the surface of pond water. It can also cause the water to take on a paint-like appearance, according to the Suffolk County Health Department.

Officials are urging anyone who may see the water to avoid contact by touching, bathing or ingesting the contaminated water. Anyone who touches the algae is urged to wash it off their skin immediately with soap and clean water, health officials said. Ingesting it is life-threatening to dogs.

It can also cause breathing difficulties or allergic reactions. The health department advises anyone who comes in contact with the bacteria seek medical attention if they develop a sore throat, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

It is the first cyanobacteria reported this year on Long Island, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Blooms were also reported in Central Park.

The bacteria was last reported in October in Stony Brook, Sagaponack and Manorville. It tends to proliferated in warmer temperatures.

To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at Suffolk County beaches open to swimming, residents can contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 or email scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Algae blooms found at bodies of water not open to bathing can be reported to the state DEC at habsinfo@dec.ny.gov.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.