New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

cyanobacteria

New York State Launches New Harmful Algal Blooms Effort

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Cyanobacteria bloom (HABs or toxic algae) in New York StateIn celebration of World Water Day on March 22, 2026, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a sweeping plan to address one of the most challenging water quality issues facing communities across the state — Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

Harmful Algal Blooms are over-growths of algae (in New York State primarily cyanobacteria also known as blue-green algae) that can produce dangerous toxins, appearing primarily but no longer exclusively during the warm months of August and September. [Read more…] about New York State Launches New Harmful Algal Blooms Effort

The Hidden History of Cyanobacteria

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cynobacteriaPerhaps you saw the flyers at your town office or a warning sign posted at your favorite swimming hole.

The smell might have driven you home, but maybe you crept closer – unable to see anything wrong but unnerved by the deserted shoreline on such a hot and inviting day. [Read more…] about The Hidden History of Cyanobacteria

Researchers Discover New Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation Alternative

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Drumstick Flower Microcystis aeruginosaA research team at Clarkson University recently published a study about a plant based alternative to traditional chemical methods of combating Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

The study, published by Clarkson chemical engineering graduate students Temitope Orimolade and Ngoc-Tram Le, along with undergraduate student Lyle Trimble, has been featured on the cover of the peer-reviewed journal, Soft Matter. [Read more…] about Researchers Discover New Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation Alternative

Protect Your Lake With Lake-Friendly Lawn Practices

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Lake-Friendly Lawn Care (Lake George Association)Climate change is shifting precipitation patterns. For example, for a second summer in a row, communities in New York State experienced the impacts of flooding and reduced water quality in the lake and its tributary rivers and streams. [Read more…] about Protect Your Lake With Lake-Friendly Lawn Practices

Clarkson Researchers Field Test Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation System

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Clarkson HABS Mitigation Process (Clarkson University)A team of researchers at Clarkson University has conducted a successful field test of its innovative process to combat Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

The process, called electrochemical ozonation, has been scaled up to a pilot-scale boat-mounted reactor with a treatment capacity of approximately 500 m³/day and is capable of inactivating harmful algae and destroying cyanotoxins within minutes. [Read more…] about Clarkson Researchers Field Test Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation System

$42 million to Protect Water Quality in the Eastern Finger Lakes Region

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Canandaigua Lake courtesy Julie BertramGovernor Kathy Hochul has announced $42 million to protect and enhance water quality in the eastern Finger Lakes region. This investment is expected to develop on-the-ground actions necessary to address the root causes of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and reduce their prevalence while supporting projects that help prevent runoff into lakes and improve climate resiliency. [Read more…] about $42 million to Protect Water Quality in the Eastern Finger Lakes Region

Lori Fisher Retiring as Executive Director of Lake Champlain Committee

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Lori FisherThe Lake Champlain Committee of Vermont, New York, and Quebec has announced today that Lori Fisher, its Executive Director, will retire on December 31 after more than 30 years of service to the organization and the Lake Champlain Basin. [Read more…] about Lori Fisher Retiring as Executive Director of Lake Champlain Committee

Harmful Algal Blooms: Know It. Avoid It. Report It.

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DEC PodcastThe latest “DEC Does What?!” podcast by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is “Harmful Algal Blooms: Know It. Avoid It. Report It.” The podcast takes a closer look at DEC’s statewide efforts to reduce harmful algal blooms (HABs) in New York waterbodies. [Read more…] about Harmful Algal Blooms: Know It. Avoid It. Report It.

EPA Researchers Develop Forecasting for Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms

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a harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HAB) in a lake provided by EPAFreshwater cyanobacteria are found in all lakes and reservoirs, are naturally occurring, and are important to water ecosystems; however, excessive growth of some cyanobacteria can result in harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs, also called cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms or HABs).

These blooms can cause unsightly scums that smell like rotting eggs or septic. Toxins from HCBs can negatively impact people, animals, and the environment. [Read more…] about EPA Researchers Develop Forecasting for Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms

Road Salt Impacts Aquatic Life Year Round

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Road SaltRoad crews across the United States use more than 24 million tons of road salt (sodium chloride) to melt ice and snow each year – triple the volume used in 1975. Road salt is cost-effective and prevents traffic accidents.

But there is an ecological downside to this practice: rain and meltwater dissolve and wash road salt into streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds, where it severely impacts aquatic life and degrades freshwater environments. [Read more…] about Road Salt Impacts Aquatic Life Year Round

New Lake Champlain Health Report Highlights Progress and Challenges

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Lake Champlain Basin Program Coverage Area MapThe Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) has released the 2024 State of the Lake and Ecosystem Indicators Report. Drawing on the most recent scientific data, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the condition of Lake Champlain. [Read more…] about New Lake Champlain Health Report Highlights Progress and Challenges

Adirondack Road Salt Report Issued: Some Data & Recommendations

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Snowplows apply road salt on the 1-87 Northway in the Adirondack Park (Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force Final Report)New York State’s Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force, established by the Randy Preston Road Salt Reduction Act in 2020, has been released. The Task Force was charged with conducting a comprehensive review of road salt contamination and roadway, parking lot, driveway, and sidewalk management best practices within the Adirondack Park, and making recommendations for enhancements. [Read more…] about Adirondack Road Salt Report Issued: Some Data & Recommendations

Beach Closures: Cyanobacteria and Phosphorus in New York’s Lakes

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Cyanobacteria bloom (HABs or toxic algae) in New York StateCyanobacteria blooms have closed beaches regularly this summer across New York State. While it may feel like a nuisance to not be able to cool off at your local beach, these blooms force swimming areas to close because they can be dangerous. To protect yourself, your loved ones, and pets, it is important that you understand how to recognize them and what you should do if a bloom is present at a beach you visit. [Read more…] about Beach Closures: Cyanobacteria and Phosphorus in New York’s Lakes

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