DEC confirms blue-green algae bloom at Durand-Eastman Park

By Keegan Trunick Rochester

PUBLISHED 12:04 PM ET Jul. 11, 2024 PUBLISHED 12:04 PM EDT Jul. 11, 2024

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says it has confirmed the presence of a bloom of blue-green algae at a popular location on Lake Ontario.

The DEC says the bloom was discovered on the shore of Durand-Eastman Park on Sunday. The location is marked on an interactive map on the DEC website.

According to the DEC, many people choose to swim in this "unofficial" part of the beach and it is a very popular place for dogs to play in the water.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can be harmful to the health of humans and pets. If you suspect there might be a HAB in your area, keep yourself safe by always remembering to: “Know It, Avoid It, Report It.”

ℹ️ For more info, visit https://t.co/sU2s40WLBE pic.twitter.com/ZRDYZXdTsn
— New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (@NYSDEC) July 10, 2024

The DEC monitors the appearance of these blooms in official swimming areas and will make an announcement and shut it down. Since 2016, the DEC says it took over responsibility for tracking the blue-green algae outside swimming areas and it keeps an updated map for the public.

More information about harmful algal blooms can be found here.