Health officials warn of harmful algal blooms on Canandaigua and Finger Lakes
Fri, August 7, 2026 at 11:17 PM
UpdatedFri, August 7, 2026 at 11:19 PM
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A reported harmful algae bloom is pictured on Canandaigua Lake on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (Photo by Natalie Calzetoni/WHAM)
Canandaigua, N.Y. (WHAM) — A green, paint-like film on the surface of Canandaigua Lake or any of the Finger Lakes could be a warning sign of a harmful algae bloom, and health officials say people and pets should stay out of the water
The presence of blue-green algae forced the city of Canandaigua to close Kershaw Beach for the weekend
Ontario County Public Health Director Kate Ott urged residents to avoid any impacted areas
MORE:Health expert warns of record-setting harmful algal blooms in Canandaigua Lake|Kershaw Beach reopens following reports of harmful algae blooms
“It’s as simple as that. Don’t go in the water, don’t let your pets in the water. Stay away from them,” Ott said
Ott said harmful algae blooms can cause a range of health problems
“It can give you rashes, it can make you very uncomfortable,” Ott said. “And again, particularly with small children and pets who may be more apt to ingest that water, it can cause physical illness.”
A reported harmful algae bloom is pictured on Canandaigua Lake on Friday, August 7, 2026. (Photo by Natalie Calzetoni/WHAM)
Since the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association’s HABs monitoring program began two weeks ago, 19 blooms have been reported to the organization this season
“So, we’ve had nine of the 14 days since our season has begun that there have been harmful algal blooms, so there still should be plenty of time to swim and ski and tube and play in the water, but just be careful, look before you leap,” Klotz said
Klotz said blooms are being seen more often on the east side of Canandaigua Lake because wind can move them across the water. Both Klotz and Ott said blooms were spotted earlier this season
“We have had a hot summer, right? So, I think that equates to kind of earlier activity than sometimes we’ve seen in the past,” Ott said
Klotz also urged residents to consider how everyday choices can affect water quality
“So everyone can make a difference by reducing fertilizers and pesticides and going to a car wash versus washing the car in your driveway or yard; you know, road salts and de-icing pollutants can end up in our waterways,” Klotz said. “Streams and creeks and road ditches are really important also for keeping the lake as clean as we can,” Klotz said
Klotz said people can report harmful algal blooms to the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association by taking a photo and sending it to HABs@canandaigualakeassoc.org. She asks people to include the location where the photo was taken
CLICK HERE to report harmful algal blooms to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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