Five beaches in Putnam County are currently closed as a result of the blooms, according to county officials.
The affected beaches include:
- Barger Pond Beach in Putnam Valley, which was closed on Saturday, July 6;
- Carraras Beach in Putnam Valley, which was closed on Friday, July 5;
- Jackson Beach in Patterson, which was closed on Tuesday, July 2;
- Singers Beach in Putnam Valley, which was closed on Saturday, July 6;
- Warren Beach in Patterson, which was closed on Tuesday, July 2.
According to county officials, the blooms can appear blue-green, plain green, yellow, brown, or red, and may have scum on the water surface or shoreline.
They often look unnatural, as if someone spilled a can of paint into the water, officials added.
The algae blooms can cause health effects when a person's skin touches them, or when water is swallowed or inhaled. They can also pose a major hazard to drinking water supplies, officials said.
Anyone who sees something they think is a harmful algae bloom can tell the beach operator or lifeguard as well as call the Putnam County Department of Health at 845-808-1390.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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