Army Corps warns of bacteria at Tully Lake

Army Corps warns of bacteria at Tully Lake

By George Barnes
Telegram & Gazette Staff

Posted Jun. 22, 2015 at 4:35 PM
Updated Jun 22, 2015 at 4:50 PM

ROYALSTON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is warning visitors to Tully Lake to avoid contact with the water because of a bloom of cyanobacteria.

The bacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae , gets its energy from photosynthesis and has been know to create several different types of toxins.

Jeffrey Mangum from the Army Corps said visitors should especially take precautions to prevent their pets from coming in contact with the water. There have been reports of animal deaths because of toxins in blue-green algae contaminated water. Humans can suffer rashes from contact, or worse, if they drink the water. The toxins are not removed from the water by boiling it or through handheld filtration devices often used by hikers and campers.

Blue-green algae can occur in any body of water in New England. It is harmless when nutrient levels are low. When the levels are high, they multiply into blooms which can be seen on the water's surface and sometimes washes on shore. Certain factors affect the likelihood of blooms, including the amount of sunlight, nutrient availability, water temperature, pH levels, wind conditions and water flow. The higher the levels the more health risks increase.

Mr. Mangum said the Army Corps will continue to monitor the situation and conduct tests as needed. Updates will be posted to the Army Corps website at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/TullyLake.aspx.


Tully Lake Campground, which is owned by the Army Corps and managed by the Trustees of Reservations, is open but has a ban on swimming and wading. Posted signs warn pet owners about the hazard the water poses. All other activities at the lake, including tenting, mountain biking, disc golf, canoeing and kayaking, are allowed, although visitors are being told to avoid lake water contact during those activities.