Blooms resemble paint spilled in water
Putnam County has closed 14 beaches because of elevated bacteria levels or harmful algae blooms, including Cortlandt Lake in the Continental Village section of Philipstown and six in Putnam Valley.
According to county health officials, harmful algae blooms can be blue-green, green, yellow, red or brown. There may be a scum on the surface or at the shoreline. Large blooms often look like paint spilled into the water.
People and animals should not touch algae blooms or swallow water that contains them, the health department said. It noted that pets are at higher risk. “Dogs also swallow more water than humans while swimming and playing,” the agency said.
For a list of closed beaches, see putnamcountyny.gov/health/beaches.
