Laurel Lake has blue-green algae, officials say

Weeks after blue-green algae was detected in Wickapogue Pond in Southampton, it also has been found in Laurel Lake in Laurel, authorities said.

Health officials are asking residents not to use, swim or wade in these waters — and to keep their pets and children away from the area.

Blue-green algae is naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers. When it becomes abundant, it forms blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red.

The blooms may appear as “floating scums” on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance, officials said.

Authorities caution residents to rinse themselves off with clean water immediately after exposure and to seek medical attention for occurrence of: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

Residents are asked to report suspected blue-green algae blooms appearing in bathing beaches to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760.

Blooms found in non-bathing beaches may be reported to the Division of Water at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 518-402-8179.