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Low levels of harmful algae toxins were detected in some drinking water distributed from Skaneateles Lake, according to a statement from the state Department of Health, Onondaga County Health Department and the city of Syracuse Department of Water on Wednesday. Meanwhile, toxin and chlorophyll levels in Owasco Lake’s blooms are high, though the city of Auburn and town of Owasco’s treatment systems appear to be keeping the drinking water clear.
The toxin detection came from the village of Skaneateles’ water sample.
Cayuga County Health Department Director Kathleen Cuddy said seven households in the town of Sennett on Depot Road get their water from a public supply through the lake, too.
Water operators are working closely with DOH to not only monitor the algae but also the levels of chlorine.
Cuddy said while it’s unfortunate that Owasco Lake was the first to experience harmful algal bloom toxins in the drinking water, her department has been able to share its knowledge with surrounding county health departments, including Onondaga County.
Meanwhile, water from Owasco Lake entering the city of Auburn’s treatment plant showed detectable levels of the toxin at 0.18 micrograms per liter, according to the Cayuga County Health Department’s latest test results from samples collected on Monday.
Cuddy said the department is sticking to testing the water three times per week, only going to daily testing if toxins were detected in the drinking water.