The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department has issued a blue-green algae advisory for Black Lake.

This advisory was issued because a blue-green algae bloom has been visually identified in Black Lake. People and animals should avoid contact with any algae blooms, scums and colored water.

Blue-green algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick scums on the water surface. Blue-green algae can cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where blooms are present.

The Public Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

• Don’t swim, wade or fish near blooms or scums;

• Don’t drink the water;

• Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums;

• Rinse with clean water if exposed;

Please report symptoms that may be associated with exposure to blue-green algae blooms, such as skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting to your primary care provider.

For more information, please visit https://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/Departments/PublicHealth/.

Learn more about blue-green algae at: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae.htm

and www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html.