Algae bloom spurs call to avoid pond swimming in Riverhead, Southampton

The Suffolk County Department of Health is warning residents to avoid swimming in ponds in Riverhead and Southampton due to cyanobacteria algae blooms.

Health officials and scientists from Stony Brook University found the blue-green algae in South Merrits Pond in Riverhead and Mill Pond in Southampton.

Residents should avoid contact with the water and keep pets and children away from the ponds, officials said. Cyanobacteria, a naturally occurring algae, can become overly abundant and produce floating pond scum on the surface or may make water appear as if it has been painted.

Anyone coming in contact with the discolored algae or pond scum is advised by health officials to rinse with clear water immediately. Seek medical attention if contact results in difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, eye, skin or throat irritation, or other allergic reactions.

Algae blooms at ponds or beaches where bathing is permitted can be reported to the health department's Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 or by email at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov. Blooms can also be reported at bodies of water where bathing is forbidden by contacting the New York Department of Environmental Conservation habsinfo@dec.ny.gov.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.