Concerned Citizens of Montauk, which monitors enterococcus bacteria and blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, levels in local waters, has issued a warning about rising levels of the latter in Fort Pond in Montauk, which the group has been monitoring since June.
Blue-green algae levels measuring 20 micrograms per liter and above indicate high risk of a toxic bloom and trigger toxicity testing; and levels at Fort Pond are approaching the 20 micrograms per liter mark, C.C.O.M. reports. The state Department of Environmental Conservation considers a concentration of 25 micrograms per liter to constitute a full-blown and potentially lethal bloom.
Dogs can be especially susceptible to illness or death after swimming in tainted water and then licking themselves dry.
“From this point forward, please use caution when entering Fort Pond,” counseled C.C.O.M., which said it would be testing cyanobacteria levels again yesterday and would provide an update shortly thereafter.
Earlier this month, a toxic cyanobacteria bloom was detected in Sagg Pond in Sagaponack. Last year, Georgica and Wainscott Ponds in East Hampton and Lake Agawam in Southampton were closed by the Suffolk County Department of Health after experiencing cyanobacteria blooms.
Blooms can look as if paint has been spilled in the water. They can be yellow, green, brown, red, blue-green, or a combination thereof. Should one come into contact with tainted water, the D.E.C. advises rinsing thoroughly. If symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin or eye irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties occur after drinking or having contact with blooms, people are advised to seek medical attention immediately.
