ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — Health officials are urging caution at Cayuga Lake.

Harmful algal blooms were recently reported there. Officials say people and pets should not touch the water if it smells bad or looks discolored. Blooms often have blue-green swirls or green streaks.

Dogs that may have had contact with suspicious lake water should be rinsed and dried. Click here for more safety tips from Tompkins County Whole Health.