Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have been confirmed in Sagg Pond in Sagaponack.
Analysis of surface water samples conducted by Stony Brook University confirmed the presence of the blooms last week. Health officials have asked residents not to use or swim or wade in the pond and to keep children and pets away from the area.
Blue-green algae are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers, but they can become abundant, forming blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or red. They can produce floating scums on the surface of the water or cause the water to take on a paint-like appearance.
Numerous water bodies on the South Fork have been afflicted with cyanobacteria in the summer months over the last decade, including Georgica Pond, Wainscott Pond, and Fort Pond in Montauk.
Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, immediately rinsing off with clean water is recommended. Should nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, skin, eye, or throat irritation, or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur after contact, seeking medical attention is advised.