If you’ve been near Canandaigua Lake the last few days, you may have noticed a significant presence of CyanoHABs (Harmful Algal Blooms). We are currently in the midst of major bloom season, with 38 reports from our trained volunteers since Wednesday, 9/11. As of 12:15 PM today, we’ve already received 4 additional reports, indicating blooms along the shorelines along Kershaw Park and in the northeast.

It’s important to note that most of these reports have been contained to the northern half of the lake at this point. However, conditions may change quickly.

Key Reminders During Active Bloom Events:
• Look before you leap: Always check the lake’s condition before swimming or allowing pets to enter. Familiarize yourself with what harmful algal blooms look like and avoid them! Conditions can change rapidly, so even the latest maps may not fully capture current conditions.
• Signage may not reflect current lake conditions: With the Labor Day holiday behind us, many bathing beaches are no longer staffed with lifeguards and may not be routinely monitored. Warning signs for CyanoHABs may not be in place, so please remain vigilant before swimming.
• Drinking water monitoring: Canandaigua Lake water purveyors are collaborating with the Geneva District Office of the Health Department and the New York State Department of Health to monitor public drinking water for toxins associated with harmful algal blooms. During the bloom season, water samples are collected and sent to a State-approved laboratory to determine if any toxins are present. To date, no toxins have been detected in the finished drinking water. For more information on CyanoHABs and drinking water, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers who continue to help us track CyanoHABs and report water clarity readings. Their efforts feed directly into the interactive map on the CLWA website, providing real-time data for everyone to stay informed. We are grateful to our volunteers for submitting reports, collecting samples, and helping to educate neighbors and friends on this issue.

In recent weeks, several water samples have been sent for analysis at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry and the Finger Lakes Institute. While we will share a comprehensive report at the end of the season, a table with the most recent results is included below.

Please remember: water quality conditions can change daily, if not hourly, so it’s important to train yourself on what to look for to stay safe during this bloom season. Please refer to all the resources found at the bottom of this email to educate yourself fully.

 

CYANOHAB RESULTS FROM THIS WEEK

A subset of CLWA volunteers are trained to not only identify, but sample cyanoHABs. CLWA works with two different labs to analyze CyanoChl concentration (measurement of the blue-green chlorophyll) and microcystin (toxin) levels. The two labs we use are the Finger Lakes Institute in Geneva and SUNY ESF in Syracuse.

This week’s results (found below) are from the Finger Lakes Institute. The toxin results are forthcoming.

The NYSDEC considers a sample with concentrations of 25ug/L or greater of cyanoCHL to be a CyanoHAB. This means that all of this week’s samples were well above bloom thresholds, even the open water sample collected.

More information on cyanobacteria and the microcystin toxin:
• The most commonly found cyanobacteria in Canandaigua Lake (microcystis), read: As We Drink and Breathe: Adverse Health Effects of Microcystins and Other Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in the Liver, Gut, Lungs and Beyond
• For info on cHABS in humans: Health Effects Support Document for the Cyanobacterial Toxin Microcystins