Blue green algae found throughout Conesus Lake

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, N.Y. (WHEC) — Blue green algae has been found in areas of Conesus Lake and the Livingston County Health Department has issued a health advisory.

Health officials say the public water supply is safe for drinking, but while you’re soaking up the sun this summer you don’t want to drink any lake water. The algae is here and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

Edward O’Connor says he walks around the lake every day and gets nervous seeing people in the lake with the algae floating around.

"People come in here, and especially on the weekends they get off their boats and swim and stuff and the algae isn’t healthy for you,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor is right, it’s not healthy. Usually, the algae comes around when the water is warm mixed with some heavy rain, which we’ve had a lot of recently. Health officials say the algae came early and heavy this year.

"There is always some level of green algae but the blue algae blooms is what we’re concerned with right now,” said Livingston County Public Health Director Jennifer Rodriguez.

With algae in season, it’s best to keep your pets from drinking the water too. They can get just as sick or worse. Rodriguez says as long as you know what to look for, it’s ok to swim in areas that are a distance away from the green floating toxins.

"You want to stay away from any area that is full of odor, you want to make sure it’s not ingesting any of the lake water, but if you keep a safe distance I think that you would be fine as far as being in the water for recreation,” Rodriguez said.

Health officials say if you happen to come in contact with the algae you should rinse with soap and water immediately. If particles are consumed it takes about two days to start seeing side effects and you should seek medical attention immediately. The major side effects are usually headaches and intestinal issues.