Harmful algal blooms in Skaneatles Lake. 

"We will be well equipped to address this in a timely manner by working collaboratively with the city, town and state," said Dr. Indu Gupta.

This season it's a problem of the past. The Onondaga County Health Department and the city of Syracuse are partnering with the State Department of Health to remain vigilant. 

"Bi-weekly testing at both water intakes. The results are posted online on the Health Department website along with other related information on the topic and other frequently asked questions relating the the topic," said Gupta.

Along with weekly testing, the county and city have decided to send advisories to the public when there have been two consecutive days of toxins detected. The federal standard is for ten consecutive days of detection.

According to Centers for Disease Control, not all algal blooms are harmful-- some are just nuisances. But the blue-green algae found in Skaneatles Lake last summer is classified as a H-A-B, and can harm people, pets and local ecosystems. 

Caused by sunlight, slow-moving water and a surplus of nutrients, harmful algal blooms can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation after drinking water with high levels of toxins.

The state advises to never drink or use untreated water. When the blooms are present people are not to drink directly from the water even if it's treated.  

The county health department asks that if you see a bloom to report it. 

Algal blooms can cause discolored water, often with a paint-like appearance, with or without floating sum or mats.