Most Environmental Health Services for Essex County are conducted by a NYSDOH District Office (covering Essex, Franklin & Hamilton Counties) under the categories of:
41 Bernard Street Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Phone: 518-891-1800 Fax: 518-891-5895
Email: saranaclake@health.ny.gov
Regulations & Permit Requirements
Temporary Food Service Permit – Guidance for Vendors & Community Event Organizers
Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in lakes and streams. They can form dense blooms that discolor the water or produce floating scums. Some blue-green algae produce toxins which can cause health effects in people and animals. Blue-green algae itself can cause health effects in people and animals when water with dense blooms is contacted or swallowed or when airborne droplets are inhaled.
Health effects associated with exposure to blue-green algae blooms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. If you have been exposed to blue-green algae blooms rinse off with clean water immediately and consider medical attention for the health symptoms noted above.
Beach Closures by County-Map and Waterbodies
7/20/2021 – Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms at the Bulwagga Bay Beach (Town of Moriah, Essex County). The swim area will remain closed until the blue-green algae blooms have cleared and approval to reopen the beach is obtained from the New York State Department of Health.
Cleared 7/16/2021 – 7/8/2021 Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms at the Westport Public Beach (Town of Westport, Essex County). The swim area will remain closed until the blue-green algae blooms have cleared and approval to reopen the beach is obtained from the New York State Department of Health.
Cleared – 10/22/2019 Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms at the Port Kent Boat Launch (Town of Port Kent, Essex County).
Cleared – 9/20/2019 Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms in the bathing area of the Westport Boat Launch (Town of Westport, Essex County). Town has been advised to close the beach & the lifeguards have posted closure and information signs.
Cleared – 9/19/2019 Harmful Algae Blooms at the Port Henry Boat Launch and Bulwagga Bay Boat Launch (Town of Moriah). The town has been notified.
Cleared – 9/6/19- Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms in the bathing area of the Westport Boat Launch (Town of Westport, Essex County). Town has been advised to close the beach & the lifeguards have posted closure and information signs.
Public/Regulated Beaches: contact the NYSDOH environmental health district office at 518-891-1800 or saranaclake@health.ny.gov
Other Surface Water/Bathing Areas that are not regulated by NYSDOH: follow the instructions under Report It! on the DEC Harmful Algal Blooms website
Boil Water Notices may be posted here. Information for your water district will always be available through your Town office.
Boiling Water and Emergency Disinfection-NYSDOH
Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water-EPA
Learn about mold, cleaning your home and preventing future growth with these New York State Department of Health resources below.
Mold & Your Home: What You Need to Know
Other required Environmental Health Services that the Essex County Health Department conducts include
