The issue of water quality in our embayments continues to be a matter of great concern. Although studies are currently being conducted to develop plans to restore health to our bay waters, to date there seems to be no approved measure for effectively dealing with the problem. The life cycle of the aquatic growth itself, run-off from areas surrounding the watershed and to an extent, the residential areas that surround the embayments all contribute nutirents that encourage aquatic growth. Town septic laws monitoring the effectiveness of septic systems and harvesting weeds that would otherwise die and continue the cycle help, but do little to solve the problem. According to information just received, there were reports of outbreaks of blue-green green algae again this year in areas of Sodus Bay. Studies conducted in August of samples taken from the Bonnie Castle area found high toxin content. The test results of the samples, relayed in late August, reported levels exceeding that generally considered safe for recreational contact and well above the level considered safe for drinking water. While the toxin content value found this year was well below the levels reported from the blooms occurring in 2010, it remains a serious recurring problem that needs watching.
Click on the following link for information on blue-green algae, published by New York State Department of Health.
http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae.pdf
