MakingWaves: DEC Division of Water News
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 08/14/2015 05:00 PM EDT
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The Division of Water has posted new announcements on its webpage. Go to the Division of Water webpage (www.dec.ny.gov/about/661.html) to read the latest information.
Summary of What's New:
DEC Issues Updated Water Well Information and Consumer Protection Guide
DEC recently updated and posted a Water Well Consumer Protection Guide on the Water Well Contractor Program webpage. The guide provides information for current and potential well owners of safety measures to help assure a properly constructed well.
Safeguards well owners should be aware of include contractor registration and certification, consumer protection measures, as well as state construction rules and regulations. The guide also provides other helpful water well information links from federal, state, and industry organizations.
If you're a well owner, don't forget to have your well tested regularly!
Blue-Green Algal Bloom Notices
New information about lakes with blue-green algae bloom notices has been posted today, August 14, on the DEC Blue-Green Algal Bloom Notices webpage.
This week, 10 waterbodies were added to the notification list, and blooms were reported in several locations in the state. This information is provided from 198 waterbodies sampled in the last four to five weeks through DEC monitoring programs, volunteers and public reports.
Because waterbodies may have blue-green algae blooms that have not been reported to DEC, we recommend avoiding contact with floating rafts, scums and discolored water - if you see it, avoid it and report it!
What is DEC doing about harmful blue-green algae blooms?
DEC has ongoing programs and activities that reduce the amount of nutrients to NYS waters, maintains collaborative partnerships with other state agencies, and provides grant funding for projects that reduce polluted runoff into waterbodies.
Examples of ongoing programs and activities:
- Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law
- Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program
- Development of nutrient total maximum daily load (TMDL) assessments for priority waterbodies
- Stormwater permit programs and the Stormwater Management Design Manual
- Development of nutrient criteria
For more information, visit DEC's Information about Blue-Green Algae HABs for Individuals and Communities web page.
Report a suspected bloom
If you suspect you have seen a blue-green algae bloom, or you, your family, or pet has been in contact with a blue-green algae bloom, please follow the instructions for reporting a bloom to DEC.