Toxic Algal Blooms Found In More Than 80 New York Waterways

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Toxic algal blooms have been reported in more than 80 lakes and ponds across New York state.

The Department of Environmental Conservation lists 81 water bodies where harmful algal blooms have been confirmed or are suspected. Some affect small, localized areas and others are widespread.

The list tallied for the past week has 17 new water bodies, including Conesus, Owasco and Seneca lakes in the Finger Lakes region. September is the peak season for blooms, and DEC says other lakes might have blooms that haven't been reported or confirmed yet.

Most algae are harmless, but certain types produce toxins that can sicken people and kill dogs. The DEC lists the toxic blooms on a notification page online.