The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has officially launched its 2025 Harmful Algal Bloom notification system, NYHABS, enabling New Yorkers to monitor and report bloom activity in real time. The alert system plays a key role in protecting public health as harmful algal blooms—also known as HABs—become more frequent in the warmer months.
What is NYHABS?
NYHABS is New York’s public-facing tool for tracking and reporting HABs in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs across the state. The system includes:
- A mobile-friendly reporting form
- An interactive map showing current and past bloom locations
- Resources to help identify, avoid, and report HABs
After confirming a suspected bloom, DEC posts it to the NYHABS online map.
Why are HABs dangerous?
HABs are dense overgrowths of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that may produce harmful toxins. These blooms can:
- Cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation
- Pose serious risks to pets and livestock
- Contaminate drinking water supplies
- Disrupt recreational activities
State officials urge the public to follow the guidance: “Know it, Avoid it, Report it.”
Know it
HABs may appear as:
- Green paint or pea soup-like scum
- Blue-green or white streaks on water
- Floating mats or discolored patches
Avoid it
Keep people, pets, and livestock out of any water that looks suspicious or contains algal scum.
Report it
Use the online NYHABS reporting form. Health concerns should be reported to [email protected].
What causes harmful algal blooms?
HABs are typically triggered by:
- Warm temperatures
- Still water conditions
- High levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen
- Excessive sunlight
Blooms peak in late summer, especially August and September.
What is New York doing to combat HABs?
New York has invested over $530 million in grants aimed at reducing phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, the primary drivers of HABs. An additional $14.4 million supports research, pilot projects, and advanced monitoring.
Key initiatives include:
- Clean water planning and infrastructure funding
- Statewide HAB monitoring through DEC’s Lake Classification and Inventory Program
- Nutrient reduction guidance (finalized in 2025)
- Governor Hochul’s Chautauqua Lake restoration project
DEC and the Department of Health are also working with local water suppliers and beach operators to monitor for HABs and issue alerts when blooms are confirmed.
New grant funding in 2025
As part of the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), the state announced:
- $75 million in funding for water quality improvement
- $3 million for nonpoint source planning and mapping
These grants target wastewater upgrades, stormwater management, and nutrient runoff reduction to help communities prevent HABs before they start.
What’s next?
Daily updates on confirmed bloom locations will be posted through the fall on the DEC’s HABs webpage. The state also offers educational materials, prevention guidance, and a newly updated HABs Research Guide to inform future action.
New Yorkers are encouraged to remain alert and proactive to help protect local waters and public health as summer progresses.
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