On July 20, a significantly large algal bloom was noted on Kirk Lake. This bloom was determined to be blue-green algae, some varieties of which are toxic to humans and pets.  The degree of toxicity varies with the bloom and can change over time. It’s important for users of Kirk Lake to become familiar with this algae and the symptoms of toxic exposure that can result from it.

It’s also important to note that Kirk Lake has experienced blue-green algal blooms for many decades, and probably much longer. Blue-green algae is quite common in lakes throughout the area, and in fact, there is always some blue-green algae present in Kirk Lake throughout the year. But certain conditions lead to “blooms” or rapid growth of the algae that we can easily detect with the naked eye. At its worst, we can detect it with our noses and mouths – it can smell and taste pretty awful.

Good News, Bad News

That’s actually good news, because your sense of sight, smell, and taste are important tools in dealing with blue-green algae. If you can see it, take note! Think about whether you personally, should swim or not. Although we can’t tell if a bloom is toxic by looking at it, it’s a good policy to use caution when you see one. “When in doubt, choose to stay out,” is how one health department puts it.

If you do choose to swim, you might consider keeping your head above the water, showering after your swim, and rinsing or washing your bathing suit. As with other substances, everyone’s reaction differs somewhat. Young children and older adults seem to be more susceptible to the ill effects of blue-green algae.

During this recent bloom, KLWA has confirmed reports of seven individuals who suffered from diarrhea after swimming, and received unconfirmed reports of several others.  Others have reported milder symptoms of itchiness and skin rashes.  More severe symptoms include vomiting and respiratory problems.  If you think you are experiencing symptoms of exposure to blue-green algae, consult your doctor.

Be aware that pets, like young children, are also likely to suffer from cyanobacteria toxicity, perhaps because they are more likely to drink the water. 

The algae tests are analyzed by a laboratory in Syracuse once every two weeks, or more often in the event of a large or suspicious bloom. DEC is developing a protocol for faster communications of the results, including recommendations for swimming, and closing of beaches. Because Kirk Lake has no public beaches, the decision to swim or not is left to individuals and the two neighborhood beach associations on the lake. For more information, contact your beach association.

Low Toxicity

The July 20^th sample was deemed to contain low levels of toxicity. Caution was advised by DEC and the NYS Department of Health. KLWA received confirmed reports of eight individuals who experienced diarrhea after swimming in the lake. Three were young children. There were unconfirmed reports of two other children who also suffered from diarrhea.

On July 28^th, the bloom surged again, especially at the southern end of the lake, near the dam. A one to two foot wide strip of sand on the WKLCA beach had the appearance of green paint, so thick was the algae. The water in the swim area was also covered with a layer of blue-green algae. KLWA took another “skim sample” and sent it to the lab for testing.  KLWA is still awaiting results of this test.

Watch the Wind

On Saturday, August 6, a southerly breeze prevailed, and kept the WKLCA beach relatively free of blue-green algae. A good thing for the Annual Picnic held there.

The prevailing wind direction actually pushes some of the algae around the lake. If winds are blowing away from your shoreline, the bloom will probably diminish in concentration at that point of the lake. If the prevailing wind is blowing toward your shoreline, the bloom will probably become more concentrated there.  In addition, heavy rains can help to flush some of the algae out of Kirk Lake. Kirk Lake is blessed with a high water flow-through rate.  

Unfortunately, these temporary blessings don’t resolve the root causes of this problem. Those true solutions will require significant study and resources before they can be implemented. But they can (and will!) be done.  In the meantime, maintaining your septic system, cleaning up pet waste, denying geese an opportunity to feed and leave their waste on our beaches, and NOT fertilizing with phosphorus will go a long way to keeping blooms smaller and shorter. More on long-term solutions will be included in a future article.

·         Avoid swimming or wading near blooms or surface scum

·         Don’t drink the water in or near the bloom- boiling water will not eliminate the threat from harmful algal blooms (HAB)

·         Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums

·         Rinse with clean water if exposed

·         Consider medical attention if you have symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, and contact your local health department to report these symptoms.

• This link includes a warning for pet owners and recommends the slogan: "When in doubt, it's best to stay out!"

http://www.oda.state.ok.us/ais /bluegreenalgae.pdf

• The Centers for Disease Control webpage on Harmful Algal Blooms:

http://www.cdc.gov/hab/cyanobacteria/facts.htm#protect