Schumer: Dangerous Toxic Algae Found In Nearly 100 Upstate NY Lakes Could Contaminate Drinking Water, Impact Summer …

On Wednesday (May 14), U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the Environmental Protection Agency to act quickly to help curb the threat that toxic algae found in nearly 100 Upstate New York water bodies is posing to drinking water and New York residents. Schumer explained that conditions are ripe for record blue-green algae blooms in Upstate New York, and that the toxins that this algae produces, cyanotoxins, have the potential to contaminate local drinking water because many of these lakes or reservoirs are drinking water sources.

What is this? Important! Selfie isn't set up yet! Go to the WordPress admin, and click "Selfie" on the left menu bar in order to get started.

This toxin is also found in lakes that are used for boating and swimming, putting swimmers at risk and also potentially causing beach closures, which harm tourism and the local economy.

Therefore, Schumer is urging the EPA to issue guidance to help protect New York drinking water supplies and New York residents.

View Schumer Report Toxic Algae

First, Schumer asked the EPA to issue guidance to help local water treatment plants test for and treat cyanotoxins in drinking water sources. Over a dozen countries including Canada currently test drinking water for cyanotoxins, but to date the EPA has not issued guidance on testing in the United States. Second, Schumer urged the EPA to develop water quality criteria for cyanotoxins in ambient water, which will help states better identify contaminated water bodies and implement water quality improvement programs that will help keep beaches open and drinking water safe.

Lakes are some of Upstate New Yorks greatest resources for tourism, recreation, and for healthy drinking water but toxic algae blooms threaten to greatly undercut the value of this resource, and whats more, have the potential to contaminate drinking water and make people sick, said Senator Schumer. So Im announcing a two-pronged plan that will help keep New Yorkers safe and protect our valuable lakes and reservoirs. First, I am urging the EPA to issue guidance and recommendations to local water treatment plans on how best to test for and treat these cyanotoxins. Second, I am pushing the EPA to develop clear water quality criteria for cyanotoxin levels in ambient water so that states like New York can better identify contaminated lakes and implement programs that will improve water quality.

With these two steps one to address contamination in drinking water and one to address contamination in lakes primarily used for recreation we can safeguard that glass of water we drink every day and ensure that lakes across Upstate New York can be enjoyed by tourists and residents alike, he continued.

Due to a number of factors, including runoff from nearby agricultural areas and aging sewer systems, the amount of phosphorus in lakes across Upstate New York has increased in recent years, causing large algal blooms to grow in the water.

Climate change has also brought warmer temperatures and more spring rainfall, both of which favor the growth of algae blooms.

Visit link:
Schumer: Dangerous Toxic Algae Found In Nearly 100 Upstate NY Lakes Could Contaminate Drinking Water, Impact Summer ...