Lakes Around Putnam Closed Due to Algae
Green algae in bodies of water around Putnam County have put a damper on the final stretch of summer for residents, with closures at multiple beaches.
The county’s Department of health confirmed Tonetta Lake is closed and all three Lake Peekskill beaches are closed until further notice because of green algae. The closings have been posted on Putnam Valley’s town website and on Southeast Recreation’s website.
Robert Morris, the health department’s director of environmental health, said there is no time frame on when the lakes could be deemed safe to swim in again. Factors such as temperatures, ecological conditions, and the amount of rainfall all determine when they may be reopen.
“We just don’t know,” he said.
Once it becomes clear the lake no longer has algae in it, the department will send a water sample to the state health department lab to determine if the beaches are safe for swimming.
Southeast supervisor Tony Hay said it’s the first time he can recall since taking office that Tonetta Lake has been barred to the public. Fortunately for the Southeast, it was still able to host town day two weekends ago just before the lake was considered unsafe.
“People are upset, the swimming lessons have been canceled, the park beach has been canceled, but we’ll open it as soon as we can,” Hay said. “But it’s in the hands of the department of health and Mother Nature.”
