While blue-green algae blooms are not unusual in Duane Lake from time to time, this particular algae bloom has been accompanied by a few informal reports of dog, cat, and human nausea and excretory issues. These might or might not be related to the algae bloom.

 Here is the complete report sent to the NYS Department of Health by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and passed along to The Duane Lake Association. (An official of DEC took the water sample for testing.)

 “Results from DEC Region 4 sampling efforts on August 8 confirm the presence of a cyanobacteria HAB in Duane Lake (Schenectady Co.) based on blue-green chlorophyll a levels of 448.28 µg/L (above the DEC Confirmed Bloom threshold of 25 µg/L) and a microscopic analysis [see update #1 below for clarification] of Woronchinia, Dolichospermum, Anabaena. The size of the bloom according to the sampler is Not Reported.”

The DEC report continues: “Toxin data are not yet available, but will be forwarded upon receipt if they indicate an elevated risk. Exposure to any cyanobacteria HABs can cause health effects in people and animals when water with blooms is touched, swallowed, or when airborne droplets are inhaled. This is true regardless of toxin levels; some blue-green algae produce toxins, while others do not. Exposure to blooms and toxins can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.  People and pets should avoid contact with blooms, and should rinse off with clean water if contact occurs.  For more information go to www.health.ny.gov/harmfulalgae.”

Duane Lake residents who draw their domestic water supply from the lake are invited to read a relevant fact sheet from the NY State Department of Health: Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms: Understanding the Risks of Piping Surface Water into Your Home.

 Since many Duane Lake residents rely on water treatment systems installed and maintained by Culligan and other similar companies, an inquiry was made to Culligan as to their recommendation for treating household water systems to rid them of residual blue-green algae.

 Officials reached at the local Culligan office late this afternoon did not know the answer but have contacted Culligan International headquarters for guidance.

 It is also not known at this moment what steps DEC, the Schenectady County Health Department, or NY State Department of Health will take to monitor Duane Lake water quality and decide when the problem has subsided to a safe level.

 For now, the State Health Department says,

" • Never drink, prepare food, cook or make ice with untreated surface water. You may also consider not using it during a bloom for showering, bathing or washing, especially if your water looks cloudy.

  • Even if you have an in-home treatment system, use bottled water during a bloom. Don’t drink, prepare food, cook or make ice with surface water during a bloom. Boiling the water will not remove blue-green algae or their toxins.

 • Keep people and animals away from blooms in surface waters. Don’t swim, wade, boat, fish or eat fish caught from areas near blooms.

 • Consider visiting a health care provider if you, your family or animals are experiencing symptoms that might be related to blue-green algae exposure."

 The Duane Lake Association will share what it learns as it learns it.

 

(year indicates 3-year term ends in June)