June 2015 Newsletter: Ballston Lake Algae

The first algae to appear are spirogyra in the spring.

It is green and slimy mass that can be removed by skimming. Surface water becomes phosphorous rich when the lake turns over in the spring bringing the phosphorous up from the bottom of the lake. The DEC Algae Alert Program is up and running at Ballston Lake. If you see a green paint like appearance to the surface water that is streaky please contact me( Dave Pierce) at 399-6308 or pep416@aol.com and I will come to the location and take a water sample. DEC will notify us within 3 days what the algae species is and the level of toxins that exist. Once we hear from DEC we will send an Algae Alert Email to everyone on the email list. Make sure we have your email address when you pay your yearly dues. Last summer water samples analyzed by DEC did contain microcystis. In 2014 the water did not contain levels of the toxin microcystin above 4ug/L.

Algae bloom conditions:

1. Water temperature above 74 degrees F
2. Wind blows algae to the east side of the lake.
3. Algae accumulates in inlets, coves, and around docks.
4. Concentration is higher near shore.
5. You can not tell if toxin concentration is present by the appearance.
6. When in doubt, avoid entering water that is real green, paint looking, or streaking.
7. Toxins can cause illness to pets that drink lake water and small children.
8. Always rinse off after swimming
9. Wind and waves can break up the algae