Lake Welch Remains Closed for the Season Due to HAB Aglae Bloom

By M.C. Millman

Lake Welch in Harriman State Park has been closed since June 26 due to harmful algae bloom contaminating the entire 216-acre lake.

Ranging from microscopic, single-celled organisms to large seaweed, algae are simple plants at the base of food webs. The HAB algae bloom, which presently pollutes Lake Welch, can occur when colonies of algae — simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control.

Algae can consume all the oxygen in the water as it decays. It clogs the gills of fish and invertebrates. It can smother corals and aquatic vegetation. Algae can also discolor water, form huge, malodorous piles on beaches and contaminate drinking water. The bloom can produce toxins that harm people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. HAB can cause skin and breathing problems, which can become debilitating or even fatal.

Although algae blooms usually don't last long, Lake Welch's algae bloom problem came on quickly and is stubbornly hanging on.

State officials are looking for other ways to protect swimming lakes in the future. One preventative method is placing ultrasonic devices in the water to keep algae from surfacing. This makes the algae die off sooner. Lake Welch has three ultrasonic devices on the lake's swimming side. Officials are analyzing data to see if the devices will clean the infestation quicker in hopes of a better season next year.

Photo Credit: Yahoo