Toxic Algae Blooms Increase In New York

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — The number of pollution-fed toxic algae blooms is climbing in New York.

The Post-Standard says the state recorded blooms last week in 19 bodies of water from central New York to Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island. That's over double the number recorded around Memorial Day weekend.

Drinking 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.

The state is working on algae-reduction plans for a dozen lakes. They include Skaneateles Lake, which provides drinking water for Syracuse and neighboring areas.

The algae-fighting plans were scheduled for release last month. No new date has been given.

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