Posted by DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are reminding New Yorkers to learn about and be aware of harmful algal blooms, or “HABs”, as the 2025 HABs notification season starts. DEC’s New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) is now active and allows the public and trained citizens to send reports of HABs to DEC electronically via a simple, user- and mobile phone-friendly form.
Reports are evaluated by DEC and DOH and once confirmed, are posted to the NYHABS page. The system features an interactive map of current and archived bloom locations to help keep New Yorkers informed.
While cyanobacteria are naturally occurring in the environment, certain conditions lead to accumulations that become HABs. Blooms are likely triggered by a combination of factors that include excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, lots of sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, and warm temperatures. HAB occurrence and reporting typically increase throughout the season with the most reports received during the warmest months of August and September. Regardless of the presence of toxins, HABs can pose a risk to public health.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As we enter the summer months and people find themselves enjoying New York State’s waters, we encourage them to avoid and report any Harmful Algal Blooms as they can cause health effects in both people and pets. The Department will continue our work with local water suppliers, beach operators, and the Department of Environmental Conservation to monitor for Harmful Algal Blooms so that we may protect drinking water and recreational use of our freshwaters.”
When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to:
- Know It – HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration.
- Avoid It – People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.
- Report It –The public should report a suspected HAB through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC’s website. Report health concerns related to HABs to DOH at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.
For more information about HABs, visit DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) webpage.
Source: MakingWaves | DEC DELIVERS – NYS DEC
Photo Credit: © Michael R. Martin, CLM
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