Harmful blue green algae blooms not found in most recent surveillance of Conesus Lake

LAKEVILLE, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Livingston County Department of Health Friday announced its latest surveillance of Conesus Lake showed no visible harmful blue green algae.

The health department first found the algae in the lake on July 7, 2021.

The blooms occur when algae multiplies rapidly over a short period of time, which usually happens in warm, calm water. When that happens, toxins become a concern.

The health department says that while its latest surveillance didn’t find the blooms, conditions are still conducive for algae to continue blooming.

If lake water does have algal blooms in it, people should not swim, wade or come into direct contact with any water that is discolored or has scum on its surface.

Even when no algae is present, the health department suggests rinsing off after swimming.

The public water supply is safe for drinking, according to the health department.