As the effects of Tropical Storm Debby subside, the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association says its watershed community continues to observe lingering impacts. The storm brought localized flooding, with rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 5.5 inches in some areas within just a few short hours. With this runoff comes nutrients and sediments, and Canandaigua Lake is experiencing lower Secchi disk readings as a result of the increased turbidity. There has been a full meter decrease in the weekly average Secchi disk reading since last week.
The intense rain also brought duckweed/watermeal that has been pushed out of the West River. These tiny aquatic plants have been slowly making their way north with the lake currents. We have had reports of large swaths out mid-lake and the winds can also blow them into coves where they can collect. These can easily be mistaken for cyanoHABs because of their bright green color.
While duckweed and watermeal are naturally occurring and are harmless on their own, cyanHABs can get mixed in. Look for green, murky water or surface streaks alongside the duckweed.
The Association reports it did have 8 suspicious cyanoHABs reports come in from volunteers this week, although several of them appear to be duckweeds. There were a few reports of surface streaking in the mix as well, and you’re asked to continue to exercise caution when recreating in the lake and letting pets swim.
Cyanobacteria, sometimes referred to as blue-green algae because of their color, are among the oldest organisms on Earth. They naturally occur in our lakes, generally occurring in low numbers.
When triggered by the perfect storm of conditions – such as heavy rains followed by a few days of warm weather with calm winds – cyanobacteria may begin to increase, forming “blooms”. CyanoHABs can appear quickly and persist for hours or days, or they can disappear almost as quickly as they formed.
Since previous research informs us that high levels of toxins (microcystin) may accompany the blooms, humans and our pets should avoid coming into contact with the water when an active bloom is observed
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