Officials: Skaneateles Lake Algae Bloom Could Be Toxic

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Environmental officials say an algae bloom on an upstate New York lake could be toxic.

The Post-Standard reports the New York Department of Environmental Conservation said Monday samples were taken from Skaneateles Lake over the weekend. Tests for toxins won't be completed until later this week.

Skaneateles Lake provides drinking water for Syracuse and neighboring areas. Water contaminated by the blooms can make people sick. The toxin can kill dogs that lick it off their coats.

The algae, actually a type of bacteria, feeds on nitrogen and phosphorus washed in from farms, yards and leaking septic systems. State officials began working on an algae-reduction plan for the lake and several others earlier this year.

___

Information from: The Post-Standard, http://www.syracuse.com