SARANAC LAKE — After a potential harmful bloom (HAB) led to a state warning about Barnum Pond, the state Department of Environmental Conservation issued notices for two more Franklin County waterbodies in September.

In mid-September, the DEC found algae blooms in Eagle Pond off state Route 30 in Duane and in Franklin Falls Pond. The bloom in Eagle Pond has been confirmed via lab samples, while the bloom is listed as suspicious. The suspicious tag means that a HAB is likely, but has not been confirmed via lab samples.

“People, pets and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algae scums on the surface,” the DEC’s HAB page says. “Colors can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. If contact does occur, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.

“If you suspect that you have seen a HAB or you, your family, or pet has been in contact with a bloom, please report the bloom to the DEC.”

HABs can be caused by a number of factors, from agricultural runoff to low water levels to septic system leaching.

“HABs are likely triggered by a combination of water and environmental conditions that may include excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), lots of sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, and warm temperatures,” DEC spokeswoman Erica Ringewald said of the Barnum Pond HAB. “Depending on the weather and the characteristics of the lake, HABs may be short-lived (appearing and disappearing in hours) or long-lived (persisting for several weeks or more).”