The swim beach closes on one lake, while algae kept at bay on another

RICHMOND — Sandy Bottom Beach at the north end of Honeoye Lake will now remain closed for the rest of the swim season, after being closed earlier this month due to blue-green algae.

Honeoye Lake is one of 53 water bodies statewide with a suspicion or confirmation of blue-green algae, according to the latest report by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Lakes not on the list include Canandaigua Lake, which last year had a first-ever bloom of toxic-releasing blue-green algae.

Testing Friday on Canandaigua Lake showed good news on algae, though not so great on water clarity.

Watershed Program Manager Kevin Olvany said three surface-water grab samples were collected Friday. “The good news is that the surface water sample results are not showing any real concentration of blue-green algae (specifically microcystis) and is clear of toxins,” he said. “At the same time, our overall water clarity is still well below average (3 meter range) in the open water areas.”

Olvany said an analysis by Bruce Gilman, professor of environmental conservation at Finger Lakes Community College, identified microcystis as the dominant algae.

“Based on this, we think there may have been a higher concentration of microcystis below the surface of the lake, but still substantially below bloom levels," Olvany said. Rain that wet the parched region on Sunday, along with northwest winds on Monday, “have mixed the algae throughout the water column reducing the potential for high concentrations” in Canandaigua Lake, Olvany added.

“We still have not seen any surface streaking or concentrations in the near shore areas like we saw last year," he added.

Concentrations of blue-green algae rose to toxic levels on Canandaigua Lake in late summer 2015, closing beaches and raising concerns about the future health of the lake. Conditions can change quickly, however, from one day to the next and from year to year with many factors contributing to water quality. A general uptick in average water temperature due to climate change over the past decade along with more frequent extreme weather are factors beyond human control.

Ways people can help reduce the chances of blue-green algae blooms include helping prevent debris, chemicals and other contaminants from entering the lake.

Honeoye Lake is historically prone to algae blooms due to its status as one of the smaller, shallower lakes, along with other influences. A Honeoye Lake Management Plan involving several entities including Ontario County and The Nature Conservancy, Central and Western New York, is in the works to address the problem.

For those wanting to keep up on the quality of Canandaigua Lake, the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association provides updates of the most recent water clarity readings and evidence of algae. Based on observations Aug. 19, CLWA reported “the near shore areas had good water clarity and the algae was observed in the open water areas. Conditions can change quickly on the lake, as the algae can move up and down in the water column and can be pushed to different areas of the lake by the wind. Use caution and avoid any suspicious blooms if you see one.”

Lindsay McMillan, CLWA administrative coordinator, said people can receive water quality e-notifications by emailing toinfo@canandaigualakeassoc.org.

“We work with the (Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council) to get information on test results and other water quality concerns out to the public as soon as it’s available,” she said.

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Information, test results and water quality concerns are addressed in the notifications.

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