Extensive Toxic Algal Bloom Observed in Hudson River, New Tool Tracks Water Quality In Real Time

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Potentially the most extensive harmful algal bloom in the Hudson River in nearly 40 years was observed, according to local science advocacy nonprofit Riverkeeper.

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies said this is the largest cyanobacteria bloom on the river they have seen in almost 40 years.

Riverkeeper’s Science Director Dr. Shannon Roback told Radio Catskill that their staff have observed “uncharacteristic algal blooms” in the Hudson River, potentially “the most extensive, harmful algal bloom in the Hudson River Estuary in living memory.”

Roback says Riverkeeper observed the most dense conditions around the Kingston area, with conditions stretching from the Village of Catskill to the Town of Hyde Park.

She says that there’s conventional knowledge that the Hudson River isn’t susceptible to harmful blooms because the water is free flowing. However, a combination of hot temperatures, nutrient enrichment, and more stagnant water has created the ideal environment for a photosynthetic bacteria known as cyanobacteria to thrive.

“Cyanobacteria release[s] cyanotoxins, which are acutely toxic to human health. They can pose risk to people who recreate in the water or drink the water, to pets, to wildlife, and they can cause a variety of health problems,” said Roback.

Riverkeeper’s new online water quality portal helps the public find water quality conditions in their area and understand the historical trends behind the most recent algal bloom outbreak.

“We can really see how different water quality conditions are now while this bloom is occurring compared to historic baselines,” said Roback.

Launched in partnership with New York Senator Chuck Schumer, Riverkeeper announced the tool as an opportunity for New Yorkers to learn where they can swim and boat safely, check how clean their drinking water is, and understand the general health of the region.

The new tool has helped Riverkeeper understand the latest algal bloom stretch in real time. The nonprofit regularly collects algae chlorophyll and cyanobacteria for the water quality portal.

“We tried to design the tool to be useful for everyone,” said Roback. “I think a lot of people will be using this and really looking for their home and trying to understand water quality – whether that’s recreational water quality, whether that’s how healthy the fish are, or whether that’s [knowing] do I have PFAS in my drinking water.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)’s Public Information Officer Lori Severino said that harmful algal blooms are common this time of year and recommends the public avoid contact with any floating mats, scums, or discolored water. The DEC encourages residents to continue to:

Know It: naturally occurring harmful algal blooms, ‘HABs,’ vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, too long, linear green streaks, pea soup or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration.

Avoid It: People, pets and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.

Report It: If members of the public suspect a HAB, report it through the NYHABs online Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form . If possible, attach digital photos of the suspected HAB in the web form.

You can find more information on harmful algal blooms on New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation website .

Image: Harmful blue-green algal blooms (Photo Credit: United States Environmental Protection Agency)