Is it safe to swim in the lake?

This summer, as temperatures rise and nutrient and fertilizer runoff increases in the Finger Lakes, make sure you check the water before you jump in. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has a notification page and interactive map where you can check to see where harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been reported. Since exposure to HABs can cause illness and/or death in humans, pets, livestock, and other animals, it is important to be informed. Use the DEC’s handy HABs photo gallery to see the difference in appearance between toxic algae and non-toxic look-alikes.