Dutchess County Department of Health

      85 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Bloom (HAB) Being Monitored in Hudson River

Drinking Water Remains Safe

The Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) is advising the public about Harmful Algal Bloom currently being monitored in the Hudson River.  Residents and visitors should take safety precautions to avoid direct contact with water containing blue-green algal blooms because of adverse health effects for humans and pets.

Drinking water continues to be safe for consumption as local water systems that draw from the Hudson River provide treatment to ensure drinking water meets all safety standards.

While most algae are safe and help keep water ecosystems healthy, some make toxins that can harm humans. When these harmful algae grow too fast, they cause a harmful algal bloom (HAB). Swimming in or touching untreated water with a HAB can sometimes make humans and pets sick, irritate skin or eyes, or cause breathing problems.  The following safety precautions are recommended by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to protect you and your pets if you see water with blue-green algal blooms:

• Stay away from the water.
• Don’t swim, fish, boat, or wade in the water.
• Don’t eat fish caught from the water.
• If you come in contact with the water, rinse with clean water and consult with your medical professional if you have symptoms.

NYSDOH has collected water samples, and its testing confirmed the HAB. NYSDOH will continue monitoring samples from the river and sharing its testing results with DCDOH, which will share those results to local water system operators.

Local water system operators, in conjunction with DCDOH, are also carefully monitoring water sampling to be able to adjust operational and treatment procedures as needed to maintain drinking water safety.   Residents who have questions regarding their drinking water can reach out to their local water system operator.

To learn about blue-green algal blooms, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides information about what causes them, how to detect them, avoid them, as well as how to report them.