August 25, 2013:  Warren & Jackson Beach are closed due to the visual presence of Blue-Green Algae on the water surface.  We will keep you posted if conditions change.

Blue-Green Algae:  The DEC recommends that swimmers and pets should avoid any discolored water that has the appearance of paint, pea soup, streaks or scum on the surface. There is no indication of high risk for swimming in the open water or places where these conditions are not apparent. 

You can find out more about harmful algae blooms at the DEC website:http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html and the DOH website athttp://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae.htm. This guidance includes the following: 

• There’s no way to tell by looking if the bloom contains toxins or not.  Please use common sense and stay out of water that has the appearance of paint, pea soup, streaks, or scum on the surface. This applies to adults, children and pets. 
• If people or pets are exposed to a bloom, rinse with clean water 
• Don’t drink the water in or near the bloom 
• Anglers should not eat fish caught from areas that look like spilled paint or pea soup
• The symptoms of blue-green algae bloom exposure are very similar to symptoms from other gastrointestinal illnesses, including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.  If you believe you have been exposed to a bloom and are experiencing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

The meeting minutes for August 1, 2013 meeting have been posted.  All minutes may be read on the minutes section this website and are archived with the Town of Patterson.

Recent water test results indicate blue-green algae blooms with high toxin levels are present on Putnam Lake. The DEC recommends that swimmers and pets should avoid any discolored water that has the appearance of paint, pea soup, streaks or scum on the surface. At this point there is no indication of high risk for swimming in the open water or places where these conditions are not apparent. 

You can find out more about harmful algae blooms at the DEC website:http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html and the DOH website athttp://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/bluegreenalgae.htm. This guidance includes the following: 

• There’s no way to tell by looking if the bloom contains toxins or not.  Please use common sense and stay out of water that has the appearance of paint, pea soup, streaks, or scum on the surface. This applies to adults, children and pets. 
• If people or pets are exposed to a bloom, rinse with clean water 
• Don’t drink the water in or near the bloom 
• Anglers should not eat fish caught from areas that look like spilled paint or pea soup
• The symptoms of blue-green algae bloom exposure are very similar to symptoms from other gastrointestinal illnesses, including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.  If you believe you have been exposed to a bloom and are experiencing symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Water Chestnut Weeds in Putnam Lake
The Park District has initiated hand weed pulling (one of the best methods for removal) of the highly invasive Water Chestnut weed in an effort to eliminate it from our waters.  Water Chestnut weeds were located along the entire coastline of Putnam lake and highly concentrated from Hudson and Interlaken Beach to the north end.  
Find out more about our Water Chestnut program here.

Allied Biological Testing Update
The initial water quality analysis by Allied Biological has been completed.  They sampled the water at three locations to get baseline results for comparison with future analysis.  The results of their tests are available for viewing or download here.   They are due to return in August for additional water testing and the weed analysis and mapping.

CSLAP Update
In the meantime, CSLAP testing is beginning and will continue through the summer collecting information and passing it to Allied Biological as well.  We will post additional results as they become available.

Additional information about what you can do to help the Putnam Lake’s water quality can be found on our “Best Practices for living in a Lake Community” page.

Thanks & Enjoy your Summer!

Congratulations Putnam Lake

Water Quality Program Saves Putnam Lake over $45,000

The Putnam Lake Park District has been accepted into The Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) organized by the NYS Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA) and the DEC.

This lake monitoring program is an amazing opportunity as only 115 of the 7500 lakes in New York (1.5%) are currently accepted.  CSLAP is free to our Park District and will save us over $45,000 in water quality testing over the next few years!

Find out more about our Lake Quality & Improvement Plan Here

Spring is rapidly approaching.  The Park District is hard at work getting the beaches, parklands and water ready for the upcoming season.  If you’d like to get involved with the community, please contact us.  There will be opportunities for every level.

Please email us at [email protected] for more information.